The relationship between the International Criminal Court and humanitarian actors

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is heralded as a significant development in the field of international justice and accountability. Established by the Rome Statute, the ICC is a unique legal mechanism in terms of its broad jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression. Though the ICC represents an important commitment to international justice, it is not free from challenges and critique. One such issue is the relationship between the ICC and humanitarian actors. Humanitarian actors often have unparalleled access in the contexts the Court investigates, and because of this humanitarians may be approached to cooperate with the Court. Such cooperation, however, complicates – and potentially directly threatens – the principles that govern humanitarians’ operations.

This session of the PHAP Online Learning Series on Humanitarian Law and Policy explored the issues and debates stemming from the relationship between the ICC and humanitarian actors.