The biggest issue at this annual meeting of the International Criminal Court has been reviewing – with an eye to reforming – the court. It’s all a little nebulous. But some experts have been selected and they have to report during next year.
Why is it needed?
Well, after the judges’ Afghanistan decision earlier in 2019, which said no to an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, ‘in the interests of justice’ and the acquittals of former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo and that of former DR Congo vice president Jean Paul Bemba, there’s been a lot of discussion about what state the ICC is in. Add to that critiques from some states on how judges are operating and it’s not surprising that the ‘something must be done’ movement has gained traction.
What will emerge precisely, no-one knows.
But for now, we’re joined by Emma Bakkum of the Public International Law and Policy Group (PILPG) to dissect the sticky toffee pudding of the 18th edition of the Assembly of States Parties, pick out the cherries, add dollops of ice cream, and generally discuss how delicious it all was.
If you, like us, were not able to go to a lot of the side-events and regret this, Emma’s organisation is here to save the day. The PILPG provided a written summary of all the ASP side-events as well as the plenary meetings. Check that out here.