War Crimes Prosecution & International Criminal Court (ICC) Liaison Task Force
An operational unit of the Humanitarian Efforts Diplomatic Advocacy Division, developing international frameworks to support war crimes prosecution and strengthen the International Criminal Court — ensuring that those who commit genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes face accountability rather than impunity.
Mission & Operational Scope
Ending the Culture of Impunity for Atrocity Crimes
Impunity for atrocity crimes is not merely a failure of justice — it is an invitation to future atrocities. When perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes face no consequences, they and others learn that mass violence is a viable political tool. The International Criminal Court represents humanity's most ambitious attempt to end this culture of impunity — but it faces serious challenges: limited jurisdiction, inadequate state cooperation, political opposition from major powers, and resource constraints that limit its ability to investigate and prosecute the full scope of atrocity crimes occurring worldwide.
This task force develops the diplomatic frameworks that strengthen the ICC, support war crimes prosecution at the national and international level, and build the political will needed to ensure that atrocity crimes are met with accountability rather than impunity.
Governing Doctrine
Frameworks & Standards
- Rome StatuteRome Statute of the International Criminal Court — foundational framework for international criminal jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression
- Genocide ConventionConvention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide — foundational framework establishing genocide as an international crime with universal jurisdiction
- UN SC ReferralUN Security Council referral mechanism — authority under Rome Statute Article 13(b) to refer situations to the ICC regardless of state party status
- Complementarity PrincipleRome Statute complementarity — framework requiring national courts to prosecute atrocity crimes before ICC jurisdiction activates, driving domestic accountability
Operational Capabilities
Six Core Functions
01
ICC Jurisdiction Expansion Advocacy
Advocate for ICC jurisdiction expansion — developing the diplomatic frameworks that encourage non-party states to ratify the Rome Statute, accept ad hoc jurisdiction, or support Security Council referrals that bring perpetrators of atrocity crimes within the reach of international justice.
02
Evidence Preservation & Documentation
Develop international frameworks for atrocity crime evidence preservation and documentation — establishing the chain of custody standards, digital evidence protocols, and witness protection frameworks that ensure evidence of war crimes survives to support prosecution.
03
State Cooperation with ICC
Develop diplomatic frameworks to improve state cooperation with the ICC — addressing the arrest warrant non-compliance, evidence sharing failures, and witness protection gaps that limit the ICC's ability to bring perpetrators to trial.
04
Universal Jurisdiction Advocacy
Advocate for universal jurisdiction prosecution of atrocity crimes — developing the legal frameworks, diplomatic support mechanisms, and capacity building programs that encourage national courts to prosecute war crimes committed abroad when the ICC cannot act.
05
Atrocity Prevention Early Warning
Develop international atrocity prevention early warning frameworks — establishing the risk indicators, diplomatic trigger mechanisms, and preventive action protocols that allow the international community to act before genocide and mass atrocities occur.
06
Victim Reparations Frameworks
Develop international victim reparations frameworks — establishing the ICC Trust Fund for Victims standards, state reparations obligations, and collective reparations programs that provide meaningful redress to survivors of atrocity crimes.