The International Criminal Court (ICC) is located in The Hague. It is often confused with other international courts, so it is useful to sort it out.

What the ICC handles

The court handles the gravest international crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression. It tries individuals, not states.

When it steps in

The ICC acts as a court of last resort. It takes up a case when national courts cannot or will not investigate such crimes.

Who falls under its jurisdiction

The court can act regarding crimes committed on the territory of states parties to the Rome Statute or by their nationals, as well as where a country has accepted the court’s jurisdiction or by decision of the UN Security Council. Ukraine has become a state party to the Rome Statute.

How it differs from the UN International Court of Justice

  • The ICC tries individuals for crimes.
  • The UN International Court of Justice hears disputes between states.

Limitations

The ICC has no police of its own: arrests are carried out by states parties. Not all countries recognise the court’s jurisdiction.

Understanding this difference helps in reading news about arrest warrants and cases in The Hague.