Experts examine challenges facing ICC and international justice
Earlier this month, government officials, civil society members and other experts in international law met in Washington, DC to discuss challenges facing the ICC.
“The Challenges of International Criminal Justice: Mass Atrocities, the ICC, and the Role of States,” was presented by the Aspen Institute Justice & Society Program and the American Bar Association-International Criminal Court Project, in partnership with the Coalition.
The meeting featured two discussions led by current and former figures in the international justice world.
In the first discussion, US Ambassador-at-large for Global Criminal Justice Stephen J. Rapp and Patricia Wald, former judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), talked about the US role in international criminal justice.
The discussion was moderated by Stephen Lamony, the Coalition’s senior advisor for AU, UN and Africa situation.
Wald spoke about support the US has given to international justice efforts and the important roles played by American lawyers and judges at the ICTY.
Rapp mentioned current US efforts to promote justice around the world and discussed how the relationship between the US and the ICC has improved in recent years.
The second discussion, featuring ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and Richard Goldstone, former prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, focused on successes and challenges for the ICC.
The discussion was moderated by Michael Greco, former ABA president and current chair of the ABA-ICC Project.
Bensouda touched upon challenges currently facing the Court, namely budget constrictions and the need for tangible, timely cooperation from states parties.
Goldstone discussed his experience with the ad hoc tribunals for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, noting that the ICC prosecutor facing unique challenges, including prosecuting cases from different countries.
Goldstone is the chairperson of the Coalition’s Advisory Board. Wald is also a member.
Have your say – what do you think are the biggest challenges facing the ICC and international justice?
