Rachel Grand - Junior Research Associate PILPG-NL
Monthly News Update: International Criminal Court (ICC) – December 2019
The Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC released its report on preliminary examinations this month. Another major development was Prosecutor Bensouda’s determination that an investigation could be commenced in Palestine and her request for a ruling on the scope of the ICC’s territorial jurisdiction. December 2019 also saw the conclusion of the 18th session of the Assembly of States Parties.
AFRICA
Central African Republic | Yekatom and Ngaissona case: ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II confirms part of the charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity and commits suspects to trial
Pre-Trial Chamber II unanimously decided to partially confirm the charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity brought against Yekatom and Ngaissona. [December 11, 2019]
Sudan | Statement to the United Nations Security Council on the Situation in Darfur, pursuant to UNSCR 1593 (2005)
The Prosecutor updated the United Nations Security Council on the status of the Sudan investigation and outstanding arrest warrants. The Prosecutor highlighted Sudan’s transition process, the Council’s support, and the need for future progress towards justice for Sudan. [December 18, 2019]
ASIA
Afghanistan | Hague International Court Hears Afghanistan Probe Appeal
The Appeals Chamber held hearings on the appeal against an earlier decision to reject the Prosecutor’s request to open an investigation into Afghanistan. [December 4, 2019]
Palestine | Statement of ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda on the conclusion of the preliminary examination of the Situation in Palestine, and seeking a ruling on the scope of the Court’s territorial jurisdiction
The Prosecutor announced the conclusion of the preliminary examination into the situation in Palestine. She determined there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation into the situation in Palestine, but requested a ruling on the scope of the territorial jurisdiction of the ICC in Palestine from Pre-Trial Chamber I. [December 20, 2019]
ICC
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, Issues Report on Preliminary Examination Activities (2019)
The Prosecutor published her annual report on Preliminary Examination Activities. The report details the nine situations under consideration for possible investigation from the past year and plans for the upcoming year. [December 5, 2019]
Assembly of States Parties Concludes its Eighteenth Session
The Assembly of States Parties took place in The Hague December 2nd through 6th. During the 18th Session of the ASP they held elections, general debate, and side events. The Assembly also adopted seven resolutions and the 2020 program budget for the Court. [December 6, 2019]