What crimes will the ICC prosecute?
The ICC will prosecute individuals responsible for the most egregious and widespread acts of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes that occur after July 1, 2002 (the date the Rome Statute came into force). War crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide are defined in the Rome Statute and carefully explained in the supplemental Elements of Crimes. The Rome Statute does not create any new crimes, but simply reflects existing international law, such as the Genocide Convention, the Convention Against Torture, and the Geneva Conventions The ICC judges are required to strictly construe these definitions, leaving no room for ambiguity or arbitrary decisions. Some examples of acts covered by the ICC include widespread rape and sexual slavery, the use of child soldiers, apartheid, enforced disappearances, and torture.
