January 2022

Monthly News Updates: International Criminal Court – January 2022

By: Claire Kaula, Junior Research Associate, PILPG-NL

In January, the ICC held a special session to open the 2022 judicial year.  The session reflected on the last 20 years of the Court’s work and discussed its work for the coming year.

INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT

ICC opens the 2022 judicial year

On January 20, 2022 the ICC opened its 2022 judicial year with a special session.  In his opening speech Judge Piotr Hofmański said the session was to briefly commemorate what the Court has done, but most importantly to focus on what the Court will do in the new year.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, most judges attended virtually, and the event was live streamed and recorded. [January, 20, 2022]

ICC Prosecutor addresses UN Security Council on the Situation in Darfur

Pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1593 (2005), ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan addressed the UN Security Council on the Situation in Darfur.  Prosecutor Khan discussed the progress the ICC has made.  This includes confirming 31 charges against Mr. Abd-Al-Rahman (also known as Ali Kushayb) and setting the trial to start April 2022.  The ICC is conducting outreach to ensure the Sudanese population can follow the trial.  The Office of the Prosecutor is also strengthening the cases against Mr. Al Bashir and Mr. Hussein, but it requires stronger cooperation from Sudan, the UN Security Council, and UN member states.  Prosecutor Khan ended by emphasizing the ICC’s “unwavering commitment” to honor the UN Security Council’s Resolution. [January 17, 2022]