MEPs meet in The Hague to tackle ICC and ICJ challenges

On October 29-30, 2024, a delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) gathered in The Hague, Netherlands, to discuss critical issues affecting international justice. This meeting was initiated by the Subcommittee for Human Rights and involved high-level dialogues with officials from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Eurojust, as well as judges from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The delegation aimed to address the growing demand for international legal frameworks, highlighting the impact of multiple armed conflicts on human rights. The urgency of the discussions stemmed from the increasing workload experienced by the ICC and ICJ, notably in the context of resource allocation necessary to combat impunity. As situations around the globe are plagued by violence and human rights violations, the MEPs sought to evaluate how the international justice system could effectively deliver support and remedies to affected victims. In particular, the delegation explored important initiatives such as the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine and the Genocide Network, which facilitate cooperation among national authorities in investigating international crimes. These collaborations are essential for strengthening accountability mechanisms against crimes like genocide and war crimes, particularly in the wake of ongoing disputes. Ultimately, the meetings aimed not only to assess the challenges facing global justice mechanisms but also to strategize on enhancing the effectiveness of the EU's role in promoting accountability and supporting victims of armed conflicts around the world.