Peace Programs

Why is the International Criminal Court important?

The United Nations called for the establishment of an international court a half-century ago, and many tribunals — including the one in Nuremberg after World War II — led to creation of the ICC. This is one of the most important human rights developments since establishment of the United Nations itself. Having a uniform approach to prosecuting crimes against humanity means that there is greater potential to ensure equal justice for all and consistency in how international law is applied. Representatives of 139 countries approved the Court's creation and more than half of these countries ratified it, showing there is agreement among a growing majority of nations on how to go after the Pol Pots of the world.