Doumbia Fanta, the Executive Coordinator of the Ivorian Coalition for the ICC, highlights the significance of the International Criminal Court and international justice mechanisms for Côte d'Ivoire.

Emphasising the key role of international justice mechanisms, including the ICC, Doumbia Fanta highlights their importance in combating impunity by prosecuting international crimes and acting as a deterrent for future atrocities. Their presence and influence also encourage countries to strengthen their judicial systems, thereby reinforcing the rule of law.

Doumbia Fanta further highlights the importance of the ICC in providing justice for victims, especially when national systems fail. For instance, in Côte d'Ivoire, victims of the post-election crisis benefit from the Trust Fund for Victims. The ICC and other international justice mechanisms establish norms and standards that countries can adopt to improve their own justice systems. Moreover, ICC investigations and prosecutions benefit from international cooperation, bringing in resources and expertise that individual countries might lack, ensuring a more robust pursuit of justice. 

Read the full interview below to explore Doumbia's powerful perspective on justice.

1. What does meaningful justice mean to you? 

Meaningful justice for me must be: 

• Fair and impartial: All individuals should be treated equally before the law, regardless of their social status. 

• Accessible to everyone: Everyone should have easy and fair access to courts and legal services. 

• Reparative and rehabilitative: Victims of crimes must receive appropriate reparations and have the opportunity to rebuild their lives. 

• Accountable and transparent: Judicial institutions must be accountable for their actions and transparent in their operations to maintain public trust. 

• Deterrent and preventive: Meaningful justice should play a role in preventing future crimes by deterring criminal behaviour. 

2. What brings you hope for accountability and justice?   

Several factors can give hope for accountability and justice: 

• Strengthening institutions: Reforms and the strengthening of judicial institutions to make them more effective and independent. 

• Citizen engagement: Increased citizen engagement and social movements to hold those responsible accountable and fight against impunity. 

• International cooperation: Concerted efforts between countries and international organisations to combat transnational crimes and promote human rights. 

• Education and awareness: Education and awareness programs that inform the public about their rights and the available justice mechanisms. 

3. How are international justice mechanisms and the ICC relevant to your country and to you?

International justice mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), are relevant for several reasons: 

• Combating impunity: The ICC plays a crucial role in prosecuting serious crimes like genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, which can deter future crimes. 

• Strengthening the rule of law: The presence and influence of international justice mechanisms can encourage countries to strengthen their judicial systems. 

• Justice for victims: The ICC offers a recourse for victims when national systems fail to deliver justice. For instance, in Côte d'Ivoire, victims of the post-election crisis benefit from the Trust Fund for Victims at the ICC.  

• International norms and standards: The ICC and other international justice mechanisms establish norms and standards that countries can adopt to improve their own justice systems. 

• International cooperation and support: Investigations and prosecutions by the ICC can benefit from international cooperation, bringing resources and expertise that individual countries might lack.