The International Criminal Court: Confronting challenges on the path to justice

Abstract

Since the Rome Statute entered into force in 2002, the International Criminal Court (ICC or the Court) has encountered many challenges, undermining its legitimacy and credibility in the international community. This report argues that if the first ten years of the ICC’s existence are any indication of its potential in the long run, these challenges must be confronted over the next few decisive years. This is imperative to ensuring the Court reaches its full potential to bring justice to the most serious crimes of international concern under its jurisdiction. Currently, a lack of efficiency and effectiveness in producing results has led to a serious decline in its perception of legitimacy with the international community. To date, the ICC has produced only two verdicts: one conviction and one acquittal. With this poor track record, comprehensive improvements are essential for improving the Court’s capacity to prosecute crimes that threaten international peace and security.