What in the World
What is the International Criminal Court?
Apr 8, 2025
Anna Holligan, a BBC correspondent in the Netherlands, dives into the complexities of the International Criminal Court. She discusses recent arrest warrants issued amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict, shedding light on the court's role in holding leaders accountable. Holligan explores the ICC's powers, reliance on member states for enforcement, and the impact of significant non-member countries on its effectiveness. She also addresses the challenges posed by U.S. sanctions and critiques regarding the court's perceived biases, revealing the fragile nature of international justice.
09:45
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Quick takeaways
- The ICC, established in 2002, lacks enforcement power and relies on member states to execute its arrest warrants against fugitives.
- Recent arrest warrants related to the Israel-Gaza conflict have prompted political backlash and raised questions about the ICC's credibility and perceived bias.
Deep dives
Function and Limitations of the International Criminal Court
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is designed to hold powerful leaders accountable for serious crimes, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It operates with the authority to investigate, issue arrest warrants, and conduct trials, but it heavily relies on member states for enforcement of these warrants, lacking its own police force. Notably, several major powers, including the United States, Israel, and Russia, have not signed the ICC statute, which significantly hampers its ability to pursue justice effectively. As a result, many individuals with active arrest warrants can evade capture by traveling freely in non-member states, challenging the court's credibility and function in international justice.
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