Read CNN’s International Criminal Court Fast Facts for a look at the ICC.
Facts Although created by the Rome Statute, a treaty first brought before the United Nations, the ICC operates as an independent entity. The court is located in The Hague, Netherlands. The ICC is the «court of last resort,» and came into force on July 1, 2002. The court tries four types of crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, crimes of aggression and war crimes. It is not intended to replace a national justice system. Currently,137 states are signatories, but only 123 are considered parties to the treaty. The United States is a signatory to the treaty, but not a party. Cases are referred to the court by national governments or the United Nations Security Council. The 18 judges serve nine-year terms. Timeline July 17,1998 — The Rome Statute is adopted by 120 states, informally establishing the permanent ICC. Seven members of the United Nations vote against the statute: the United States, China, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Qatar and Yemen. July 1, 2002 — The Rome Statute enters into force after ratification by 60 countries. October 12,2016 — Burundi votes to withdraw from the ICC, but is still listed as a party. October 21,2016 — South Africa announces it is withdrawing from the ICC, saying parts of the Rome statute conflict with the country’s own laws which give heads-of-state, particularly ones they’re trying to reach peace and stability with, diplomatic immunity. In March 2017, South Africa officially cancels its withdrawal. November 10,2016 — Gambia notifies the ICC that it is withdrawing, citing bias against Africans. Gambia cancels its withdrawal in February 2017. November 16,2016 — Russia says it will withdraw its signature from the ICC treaty, under a directive signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. October 27,2017 — Burundi effectively withdraws from the ICC, becoming the first member state to do so. March 14,2018 — Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says in a statement that the country has given notice that it will withdraw from the ICC. The announcement follows the ICC’s February 8 statement that it has started an inquiry into Duterte’s controversial war on drugs. The action goes into effect on March 17,2019. Selected Trials Jean-Pierre Bemba November 22,2010 — The trial begins for former Congolese Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba, who is accused of three counts of war crimes and two counts of crimes against humanity for failing to keep his forces from raping and killing civilians in Central African Republic in 2002-2003.
