The UK is a strong supporter of the International Criminal court (ICC). We were instrumental in the establishment of the Court and believe its establishment is a major milestone in the development of international justice.
Based in The Hague, the ICC is the first ever permanent court with the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals accused of the most serious crimes of international concern: genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
The Court was established by the Rome Statute for the International Criminal Court. The ICC is an independent international organisation, and is not part of the United Nations system.
The Court's expenses are funded primarily by States Parties, although it also receives voluntary contributions from governments, international organisations, individuals, corporations and other entities.
Before the ICC was established, the International Community set up a range of 'ad hoc' tribunals in response to specific situations which were designed to be in existence for a limited time period. They include:
As these Tribunals are coming to the end of their trial activity, the international community is now focusing on how to maintain key functions such as witness protection and provision for trials of those who are still fugitive once the full Tribunal has been wound up.
As the ICC is a permanent international institution, it is able to respond to a wide range of situations as and when they arise and will always be able to support justice and hold those responsible to account, whenever they are brought before the Court, without needing to make special provision.
Torture, cruel and inhuman or degrading treatment are prohibited under the Geneva Conventions and international human rights law
