For the first time at THIMUN, a model International Criminal Court is available to student participants. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is located in The Hague and was created by the United Nations in 2002 to investigate and prosecute extreme war crimes on an international level. At THIMUN 2024, the ICC simulation is directed by Ms. Hövermann with three student officers and two teams of eight participants, alternating roles as judges and the Prosecution or Defense offices. The ICC’s unique alternating roles come from Ms. Hövermann’s educator background and serve as a method to keep participating students active and involved with all elements of the trials.
ICC is a selective court at THIMUN that allows students to explore interpretations of law through real-world cases. They are focusing on two cases: The Prosecutor vs Mr. Ahmad Al Mahdi al Faqi and The Prosecutor vs Mr. Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman. The Prosecutor vs Mr. Ahmad Al Mahdi al Faqi is about the destruction of artifacts, worship sites, and historic sites in Mali. The Prosecutor vs Mr. Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-Al-Rahman is a case regarding the genocides and over twenty war crimes committed in West Sudan against the native tribes. Both cases are currently ongoing, allowing the committee to focus on current events.
This new delegation attracted many of its members because of its application of international legal principles, the opportunity to meet new people, and its up-and-coming experience. To prepare, attendees completed extensive research on cases to form solid legal arguments to present to the judges. In the ICC, not only is good research crucial to be successful, but confidence in owning an argument. Diligence, collaboration, and quick thinking are essential traits to possess as well. Ms. Hövermann explained, “You have to be like foam, not air in a balloon. If someone pops your bubble, you have to be able to mold yourself together and still stay a substance.”
The ICC team attended a field trip to the International Criminal Court building. They were able to attend a confidential hearing and thus allowed them to witness procedure matters and even talk to ICC prosecutors about their work. ICC Deputy President Zeya Bespolka’s favorite part of the trip was “talking to the prosecutors and getting their different perspectives because that is their everyday job. They all said ‘It’s crazy’. They “can’t believe they get to do this.”
This new court presents students with challenges, exposure to law, and an exceptional type of debate. Advocate Jenny Wu expresses that ICC is “so different from other general committees with more participation.” The ICC is highly recommended by Advocate Sofia Li, “for those interested in law or enhancing speaking skills, there are better speaking opportunities.” The introduction of a model ICC to THIMUN has created more opportunities for delegates, building the THIMUN community and diversity.
Photo by Anna Delmas
