Inside the ICC: How the World’s Criminal Court Operates

By Jina Song

Photography by Lilly Tourville

During the THIMUN ICC’s Committee visit to the International Criminal Court, the group got the opportunity to hear a presentation from Joseph Kukulu, interpreter of the court, about the history and impact of the ICC. Originally established in 1998 as a way for countries to have a permanent tribunal, the ICC strives to fulfill its goal to “Build a More Just World.” However, 60 out of 120 states initially ratified the Rome Statute, the foundational tribune of the ICC. Kukulu shares that this goal is only obtainable through the total ratification of countries worldwide.

Today, 125 state parties have ratified the Rome Statute. Ukraine was the most recent country to join the ICC on January 1st, 2025. Flags outside the ICC depict this order of ratification. The ICC emphasizes its role as a “complementary” organization or a “last resort” for serious cases stretching beyond national legal systems. The ICC does not replace national legal systems, instead focusing on cases involving individuals who have committed war crimes or crimes against humanity. The court is often used after countries that “don’t really want to prosecute people or don’t have the means to persecute someone,” says Kukulu.

Just down the road, the ICJ stands as a separate judicial body. It’s important to note that a key difference between the ICJ and the ICC is that the ICC focuses on prosecuting individual criminals, while the ICJ “comes to hear country vs country.” 

Criteria 1: The request of state parties or the UN Security Council 

Criteria 2: Crimes must be committed after July 1, 2002, which was when the ICC opened 

Criteria 3: Crimes must be on the territory of a state party (UNSC is exempt from this criterion)

Criteria 4: Crimes must be grave enough. “ICC doesn’t prosecute people who stole a pizza or something,” said Kukulu.

The ICC courtroom is composed of a public gallery, witnesses, counsel for the victims (legal defense), prosecutors, judges, legal representatives for the defense, and interpreters. Because languages are so diverse, some interpreters have done this job for 15 years. “It’s a beautiful job,” says Kukulu. “But it’s not easy.” Just 10 minutes on the left is the ICC Detention Center. “It is not a prison, but where we have people who are accused,” says Kukulu. 

Kukulu explains that young protesters often flock to the ICC during weekends to protest. These protesters predominantly find evidence on social media—a fast yet often incredible news platform. While the ICC is obliged to contact the police to prevent violence, they also communicate with young protesters to build evidence together. “Together, we approach the judges,” Kukulu says, “Every voice matters at the ICC.” Ultimately, the ICC stands as a place to find accountability in a volatile world. Kukulu emphasizes that the ICC drives a more just world for all.