The ICC Presidency approves Amendments to the Regulations of the Registry

On 4 December 2013, the Presidency of the International Criminal Court ("ICC") approved a broad series of amendments to the Regulations of the Registry (“Regulations”), which address practical arrangements for judicial proceedings and the operation of the Registry. The amendments are intended to expedite the ICC's proceedings in light of the developing practice of the Court.

The amendments were approved in accordance with rule 14 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, and were prepared by the Registry after a wide process of consultation. This inclusive process involved both Court-wide consultations and input from representatives of counsel, expert consultants, civil society, and representatives of other courts and tribunals, to ensure transparency and inclusiveness. The amendments constitute the first broad-ranging revision to the Regulations since their entry into force in 2006. This comprehensive revision responds to areas in need of reform that have been identified by the practical application of the Regulations over the past seven years. The French text was also the subject of a broad editorial revision to improve readability.

The Regulations are structured in accordance with the Rome Statute, the Rules of Procedure and Evidence and the Regulations of the Court, and consist of five chapters. Chapter 1 addresses the management of the Registry. Chapter 2 deals with Court management aspects in relation to procedures, languages services and matters concerning the restriction and deprivation of liberty, among others. Chapter 3 addresses issues of assistance to witnesses and victims as well as participation of victims in the proceedings. Chapter 4 deals with counsel issues and legal assistance paid by the Court. Chapter 5 addresses detention issues and rights of detained persons. The Regulations were first approved by the Presidency on 6 March 2006, and were the subject of minor amendments on 25 September 2006.

The Registry provides administrative and operational support to the judiciary and to the Office of the Prosecutor, and has responsibilities in the areas of counsel, witness protection, victims, communications and security. It assists in servicing the Court and developing effective mechanisms to assist victims, witnesses and counsel in accordance with the Statute and the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, and the Regulations of the Court. 

Regulations of the Registry - English, Français

For further information, please contact Sonia Robla, Chief of Public Information Section, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-8089 or 31 (0)6 46448726 or by e-mail at: [email protected].

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