International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an independent, permanent court that tries persons accused of the most serious crimes of international concern, namely genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

This year Thomas Lubanga became the first person to be charged by the International Criminal Court (ICC) with the war crime of enlisting and under the age of fifteen years and using them to participate actively in hostilities. This month the pre-trial Chamber will decide whether to proceed with a full trial. The decision is due on 29 January 2007.

Test your knowledge of the ICC below

1. Where is the International Criminal Court based?

A: The Hague, the Netherlands
B: Rome, Italy
C: Arusha, Tanzania

2. This year Thomas Lubanga became the first person to be charged by the ICC with the crime of enlisting children under 15 and using them in hostilities. Which country does he come from?

A: Uganda
B: Philippines
C: DR Congo

3. The International Criminal Court (ICC) indicted five leaders of another rebel group in October 2005 on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity including abduction and sexual enslavement of children. Which country do they come from?

A: Uganda
B: Myanmar
C: Indonesia

4. When did the Rome Statute, which is the treaty which established the International Criminal Court, come into force?

A: 1990
B: 2002
C: 2005

5. What provision has the ICC made for victims which is the first of its kind in international criminal justice?

A: victims do not have to present their views
B: victims have the possibility to present their views and observations before the Court.
C: victims can question the defendant

6. Which of the following cannot initiate proceedings at the ICC?

A: UN Security Council
B: the ICC Prosecutor
C: NGOs

7. In which of the following situations can a case be examined by the ICC?

A: If a case is being considered by a country with jurisdiction over it
B: If a country is unwilling to investigate
C: If a country does not accept the ICC's jurisdiction

8. What is the main difference between the ICC and the International Criminal Court of Justice (ICJ)?

A: the ICC prosecutes individuals, whereas the ICJ deals with disputes between States
B: the ICC is an organ of the of the UN, whereas the ICJ is independent
C: the ICJ is based in Bangkok, Thailand, whereas the ICC is based in the Hague, the Netherlands

9. What is the role of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court?

A: to prosecute war criminals
B: to advocate for a fair, effective and independent International Criminal Court
C: to provide legal advice to the ICC prosecutor

10. Which country has in the past refused aid to States on the basis that they were members of the ICC?

A: United States
B: Pakistan
C: United Kingdom