Multilateral

International Criminal Court (ICC)

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is governed by the Rome Statute, the first permanent treaty established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes against humanity—crimes of grave concern to the international community.

The ICC is an independent international organization based in The Hague, Netherlands. Although the Court’s expenses are primarily funded by States Parties, it also receives voluntary contributions from governments, international organizations, individuals, corporations, and other entities.

The international community has long aspired to the creation of a permanent international tribunal; by the 20th century, a consensus had been reached regarding the definitions of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The Nuremberg and Tokyo trials, which followed the Second World War, established a precedent that would enable the international community to prosecute war crimes, crimes against peace, and crimes against humanity.

In the 1990s, following the end of the Cold War, tribunals such as those for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda emerged from a growing consensus that impunity is unacceptable. However, because these tribunals were established to prosecute crimes committed only within a specific timeframe and during a particular conflict, there was a broad agreement that an independent, permanent criminal court was necessary.

More Information here: International Criminal Court

Ecuador in the International Criminal Court

Ecuador signed the Rome Statute on October 7, 1998, and ratified it on February 5, 2002.

The country’s engagement is characterized by its ongoing legislative alignment and political support for transnational justice. This has led to significant institutional milestones, such as the election of Ecuadorian national Osvaldo Zavala Giler as Registrar of the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the 2023–2028 term—a position within the court’s senior leadership. Furthermore, Ecuador’s National Assembly has strengthened the relationship with the institution by passing the Organic Law on Cooperation with the International Criminal Court. This law provides the formal framework for executing requests for assistance, gathering evidence, and facilitating the surrender of individuals sought by international justice from within Ecuadorian territory. In the political and procedural spheres, Ecuador has actively participated in the Court’s mechanisms; for instance, it has served on the Committee on Budget and Finance and held a six-year term on the Board of Directors of the Trust Fund for Victims—a key executive body responsible for overseeing and implementing global reparation measures.