Bibliothèque de ressources

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC or Congo) presents a critical test for the International Criminal Court (ICC). All of the accused in current ICC trials are from DRC. This paper addresses the Court’s role in DRC regarding complementarity, peace, justice, victims, and affected com...

The International Criminal Court opened its second trial against Germain Katanga and Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui. The ICC is prosecuting them for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in the context of a massacre in the Iturian village of Bogoro.

Situation brief on the International Criminal Court's pretrial hearings on whether to pursue charges against Jean-Pierre Bemba for crimes his troops allegedly committed in the Central African Republic (CAR) in 2002-03. The ICC prosecutor opened an investigation in May 2007 into crimes...

ICTJ calls on African states parties to the International Criminal Court to ensure fair and effective justice for serious crimes committed against Africans and others. Written in the lead up to the Rome Statute Review Conference in Kampala, May 2010.

Background on conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic (CAR) in the context of Jean-Pierre Bemba’s trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC is preparing to prosecute Bemba of the DRC for alleged rapes, torture and murders that...

Background on the role of amnesty in processes of transitional justice and the 2009 DRC Amnesty Law. Given a fragile justice system and culture of impunity, this law risks rewarding blanket amnesty for all crimes committed in the DRC. ICTJ gives suggestions to break the culture of imp...

Situation brief on the International Criminal Court's prosecution against Thomas Lubanga, the former leader of the Union des Patriotes Congolais (UPC) who has been charged with genocide and crimes against humanity. Due to problems with the prosecutor's proposed use of evidence, the tr...

Since 1996, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has experienced constant war. The most serious crimes were committed and continue to be committed, particularly in the eastern region. Congolese society reacts by calling for military justice and other actions.

Background on the 2004 ICC arrest warrant for Bosco Ntaganda, wanted for war crimes allegedly committed in the DRC including civilian massacres and the recruitment of child soldiers. In 2009, the Congolese government decided not to arrest Bosco, and instead appointed him a deputy comm...

The transitional justice review of the DRC focuses on the ongoing security and human rights crisis in the DRC. The report recommends that the government execute existing arrest warrants, reform and strengthen the legal mechanisms for addressing grave human rights violations, establish...

Treatment of historical legacies of discrimination against Aboriginal groups in Canada (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) currently focuses on settlement for abuses committed against Aboriginal children in educational institutions known as “Indian Residential Schools” (IRSs), which pursued...

Seven years have passed since the Democratic Republic of Congo has ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court without satisfying the obligation imposed on States parties to take necessary legal provisions to integrate the Rome Statute in their domestic legislation t...

Two years after the first election in the Republic Congo (DRC) since independence, the country can at a crossroads. Among the principal challenges facing the government, there is that of how the Congo will face its recent history of massive human rights violations man to lay the groun...

During a period of ethnic strife in Burundi, several hundred thousand people lost their lives or were displaced. Now political actors must address the issue of security security reform.

The Special Tribunal for Lebanon is an internationalized court that will sit in the Netherlands and seek accountability for a specific set of crimes in Lebanon. Based on negotiations between Lebanon and the United Nations but ultimately decided by the UN Security Council, the Tribunal...

This publication provides an overview of the essential best practices guiding the main aspects of a truth commission, answering basic questions relating to its goals, powers, operations, framework, protections for commissioners and witnesses, and reporting. Its intention is to provide...

This briefing paper focuses on establishing a credible approach to accountability and human rights in a post-conflict Syria. Looking ahead to an eventual resolution to the war, it recognizes that Syrian authorities and civil society, as well as the international community, will have t...

This booklet presents information on how and when sexual violence committed in time of conflict becomes an international crime. Employing a simple question-and-answer format and illustrations, it is designed for those working in the field to assist survivors of sexual violence in the ...