International Democracy Watch

In 2019, the work of the Coalition for the ICC (CICC), a program of the World Federalist Movement, was far reaching in its efforts to advocate for a fair, effective an independent International Criminal Court.

In March, the EU HR for Foreign Affairs Mrs. Federica Mogherini and members states updated the mandate for the new EUSR for Human Rights to include explicit reference to international justice and the ICC. April saw the organization of an Asia-Pacific Regional Strategy Meeting (RSM) in Malaysia, in which 30+ NGO representatives discussed strategies to bolster the fight against impunity and justice for victims of atrocity crimes. One month later, 100+ civil society representatives descended upon the ICC in The Hague for the annual ICC-NGO Roundtable Meetings, a vital forum to exchange views, updates and strategize on the ways forward within the Rome Statute system of international justice. The CICC has been vocal in its advocacy for a more effective and transparent Court in two main ways in 2019: in pushing for the establishment of a committee tasked with overseeing the election of the next ICC Chief Prosecutor, which began its work in the summer; and supporting the establishment of a transparent and independent review of the Court and its organs. The CICC and its members are now looking towards the 18th Session of the Assembly of States Parties, the legislative arm of the ICC, to discuss and decide upon key issues related to the functioning of the Rome Statute system of justice as a whole in the coming year.