What is the ICC?

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent and independent international tribunal that has the power to investigate and prosecute the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.

The Rome Statute is the international treaty that established the ICC and determined its jurisdiction, functions, powers, and composition. To date, 110 countries have ratified the Rome Statute and are State Parties to the ICC.

The ICC is composed of four organs:

• Eighteen independent judges. They are organized into three divisions: the Pre-Trial Division, Trial Division, and Appeals Division. The judges are elected by the States Parties. Candidates must be nationals of those States and must “possess the qualifications required in their respective States for appointment to the highest judicial offices.” No two judges may be nationals of the same State. Judges hold office for a term of nine years and are not eligible for re-election.

• The Office of the Prosecutor. It is independent from the Court and is responsible for receiving referrals and any information on crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court. The Prosecutor conducts investigations and presents prosecutions before the Court. The Office is headed by the Prosecutor. The Prosecutor is assisted by one or more Deputy Prosecutors. The current Prosecutor is Luis Moreno-Ocampo of Argentina.

• The Presidency. The eighteen sitting judges elect a President and two Vice-Presidents who are fellow judges. The Presidency is responsible for the proper administration of the ICC.

• The Registry. It is responsible for the non-judicial aspects of the administration of the Court.

The ICC is based in The Hague in the Netherlands, but its proceedings may take place anywhere.