ICC held bi-annual strategy meeting with NGOs

From 6 to 9 October, the ICC hosted the second bi-annual strategic meeting with NGOs. Nearly 40 members of the civil society, representing 20 organizations, including both international NGOs and local NGOs from situation related countries, had the opportunity to discuss relevant issues on the ICC agenda with Court officials from the four organs as well as with representatives of the Assembly of the States Parties (ASP).

The meeting is part of a conjunct effort of both the Court and the NGOs to strengthen an open dialogue policy and maintain mutual support and understanding.

Opening the meeting, ICC President, Judge Sang-Hyun Song, acknowledged the “long partnership of the Court with the NGO community in working to realise the Rome Statute system”. “Importantly, NGOs also provide constructive criticism. It is never entirely pleasant to be criticised, and the Court may not always agree with such criticism. But I very much appreciate independent views from organisations and individuals who share the Court’s deep commitment to the goals and values enshrined in the Rome Statute. Your support – and your tough love too – have made this a better institution” President Song added.

Thursday 8 and Friday 9 were devoted to consultation with the Registry. The issues on the table of discussions concerned, among others, victims’ effective participation to the proceedings, their protection (for which the Court is in the process of formulating an Official Strategy); the plan to reinforce and expand Outreach activities in situation related countries (or in countries interested by Court investigations) as well as the improvement of field operations; and the conclusions of the Report of the Committee on Budget and Finance. Finally, the participants discussed the Conference of Revision (of the Rome Statute), due to take place in Kampala, Uganda, in May, next year.

For further information please contact Ms Sonia Robla, Head of Public Information and Documentation Section at +31 (0)70 515-8089 or +31 (0) 6 46 44 87 26 or at [email protected].