International Criminal Law
Inhoud
Class 1......................................................................................................................................................2
Daily News ............................................................................................................................................2
Hubris ICC? ...........................................................................................................................................4
1945: Nuremberg ................................................................................................................................. 10
Africa and the ICC ................................................................................................................................ 14
What is ICL?......................................................................................................................................... 16
Class 2.................................................................................................................................................... 20
International crime? ............................................................................................................................. 21
Different reactions to mass atrocities ................................................................................................... 22
Class 3.................................................................................................................................................... 27
Person of the week ............................................................................................................................... 27
Statutes, rules, international courts, treaties, customary law ................................................................. 31
ICL: Substantive justice to strict legality? .............................................................................................. 35
Elements international crimes (actus reus, mens rea) ........................................................................... 37
Class 4.................................................................................................................................................... 41
War crimes .......................................................................................................................................... 41
Conventions after WW1 and WW2 ........................................................................................................ 42
International Humanitarian Law ........................................................................................................... 45
Prohibited means of warfare (weapons) ................................................................................................ 48
Class 5.................................................................................................................................................... 52
Illustration Palestine-Israel-Gaza .......................................................................................................... 52
Crimes against Humanity ..................................................................................................................... 56
Nuremberg .......................................................................................................................................... 56
Today: contextual and objective element (of CAH) ................................................................................. 59
Class 6.................................................................................................................................................... 67
Genocide convention ........................................................................................................................... 68
Developments case law ....................................................................................................................... 69
Class 7.................................................................................................................................................... 71
Ethnic cleansing .................................................................................................................................. 71
Genocide vs Crimes against Humanity ................................................................................................. 75
Lauterpacht/Lemkin ............................................................................................................................ 76
Aggression ........................................................................................................................................... 79
Class 8.................................................................................................................................................... 81
WW1 ................................................................................................................................................... 81
UN Charter and Prohibition of (‘aggressive’) war .................................................................................... 82
1
, Actus reus/Material elements (aggression) ........................................................................................... 89
Mens rea ............................................................................................................................................. 91
Terrorism ............................................................................................................................................. 93
Terrorism war crime or CaH? ................................................................................................................ 96
Galic case ICTY .................................................................................................................................... 98
Torture ............................................................................................................................................... 100
Ecocide ............................................................................................................................................. 102
Class 9.................................................................................................................................................. 104
Perpetration ....................................................................................................................................... 105
Joint Criminal Enterprise .................................................................................................................... 106
Class 10 ................................................................................................................................................ 111
JCE II. Common Criminal Plan within an Institutional Framework (Systemic category) .......................... 111
London Agreement on IMT .................................................................................................................. 112
JCE III. Responsibility for forseeable crimes other participants (extended category) .............................. 114
Co-perpetration ................................................................................................................................. 117
Incitement and Instigation .................................................................................................................. 121
Class 11 ................................................................................................................................................ 124
Attempt ............................................................................................................................................. 125
15.7. Responsibility of superiors ......................................................................................................... 128
16.5. Self-defence ............................................................................................................................. 134
Necessity .......................................................................................................................................... 136
Hitler’s Commando Order .................................................................................................................. 138
Class 12 ................................................................................................................................................ 142
Jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court ................................................................................... 142
Immunities ........................................................................................................................................ 147
Class 13 ................................................................................................................................................ 153
Class 1
Daily News
February 6, 2025: US imposing sanctions on the international criminal court
o https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/imposing-sanctions-on-the-international-
criminal-court/
o Biggest democracy on earth decides that they will go after the international criminal court
o ICC = (answer students) international body that advizes on violations of human rights; are their advizes
binding on legal matters or? Not just advisory body of experts but can prosecute or convict (crimes
against HR) if state they come from are party of the treaty that governs ICC and made it into existence
▪ Verbruggen: international organisation; important who is a member (US is not a member, didn’t
ratify after signing so not binding + redrew their signature)
o Court based in The Hague
2
, o Why are the Americans so mad at the ICC? Many reasons, already started with Afghanistan (party to
ICC) but direct link with arrest warrant of Netanyahu (prime minister Israel (/= head of state of Israël but
leader of the government) and is an ally of US
Arrest warrant issued for Netanyahu1
• MS to the ICC
• ICC: prosecute and punish individuals for the crimes they have committed
• Tells something about the world and political context in which it must function
• In Asia hardly any state is party (except for exceptions like afghanistan, mongolia, bangladesh etc but big states
like india etc are no party or miramar or area of north africa (arabic world))
o often because it’s seen as western-european creation but in africa it’s controversial 2
o Netanyahu and chief IDF (israelian defence force = the army) => arrest warrants out for them; Netanyahu
was in US but hasn’t travelled to other countries yet because one of the discussions is since, whether
since Israël is not a state party (and never signed Rome statute) (=argument of US: they are enforcing
law to states that aren’t parties to the business; out of bounds and using their power in a way they
cannot; it’s a non-state party)3
o Poland: said they wouldn’t arrest Netanyahu if he came to Auswitchz memorial: legal discussion on
immunity and whether you can arrest someone who is head of state/governement (of a non-state party)
1
On 21 November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. They are charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Israel's military operations in
Gaza following Hamas's attack on 7 October 2023. Specific allegations include the use of starvation as a method of warfare, intentional attacks on
civilians, murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts .
2
Perceived Bias Against Africa
A major point of contention is the ICC's focus on African cases. Out of the 54 individuals indicted by the ICC to date, 47 are African, leading to
accusations that the Court disproportionately targets the continent . This has fueled sentiments that the ICC is a tool of Western imperialism,
punishing leaders from smaller, weaker states while ignoring crimes committed by more powerful nations .
Claims of Neocolonialism and Sovereignty Concerns
Some African leaders argue that the ICC undermines their countries' sovereignty and operates with a neocolonial agenda. For instance, Ethiopian
Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn described the ICC as "a condescending political instrument targeting Africa and Africans" . Similarly, Kenyan
President Uhuru Kenyatta referred to the ICC as a "toy of declining imperial powers" .
Push for Withdrawal from the ICC
In response to these concerns, some African nations have considered withdrawing from the ICC. In 2016, Burundi, South Africa, and The Gambia
announced their intentions to withdraw, citing the Court's alleged bias against Africans . However, South Africa's withdrawal was later deemed
unconstitutional by its High Court, leading the government to revoke its decision . Mixed Reactions Within Africa
Despite criticisms, many African civil society groups and victims' organizations support the ICC, viewing it as a crucial mechanism for justice when
local systems fail. Notably, several African governments have themselves referred cases to the ICC, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic
of Congo .
Calls for Reform
The ICC has acknowledged the need to address perceptions of bias and has taken steps to diversify its investigations beyond Africa. However,
challenges remain, particularly regarding the Court's reliance on cooperation from member states and the influence of powerful non-member
countries on its operations .
3
ICC Jurisdiction Over Non-Party Nationals
The ICC's authority to prosecute individuals from non-member states is grounded in Article 12(2)(a) of the Rome Statute. This provision allows the
Court to exercise jurisdiction if the alleged crimes occurred on the territory of a state party or a state that has accepted the Court's jurisdiction.
In this context, the Palestinian territories are significant. Although Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute, the State of Palestine acceded to the
Statute in 2015 and has recognized the ICC's jurisdiction over crimes committed in its territory since June 13, 2014. This recognition enables the ICC
to investigate and prosecute alleged crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, regardless of the nationality of the accused.
3
, Arrest warrant issued for Putin 4
• Another head of state: Putin (has an arrest warrant for him + lady who organized the transfer of children of ukrain
to russia)
o US denounced that previous US administration had a very different view on Russia
o Alleged crime that Putin is wanted by ICC prosecutor: crimes against humanity and war crimes
▪ One of the debates is that it might even be worse (=genocide)
▪ Not just about obvious war crimes (civilians being murdered, raped,…) but also transfer of
children from a warzone 5
• King of Jordan was in Washington and Trump wants to buy/occupy Gaza Strip (2mlln
ppl must be removed; those should go to Egypt/Jordan) => Jordan not willing to accept
this but accepted to take 2000 children (temporarily)
o But “temporarily” in middle east often turns out as permanent => could be
international crime to remove children of a certain group => could undermine
subsistance of certain groups
o Their argument is often “we are saving them” (also what Russia could say) but
if idea is they should never return: problematic
Is it a Greek Tragedy?
Hubris ICC?
4
the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 17, 2023. He is accused of war crimes,
specifically the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation. These actions are
alleged to have occurred from at least February 24, 2022, during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine . The woman you’re referring to is Maria Alekseyevna
Lvova-Belova, the Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights. On March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest
warrants for both Lvova-Belova and Russian President Vladimir Putin. They are accused of the war crimes of unlawful deportation and transfer of
Ukrainian children from occupied territories to Russia
5
International humanitarian law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, prohibits the forced transfer or deportation of protected persons from
occupied territories, regardless of motive. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) classifies the forcible transfer of children of a
group as a war crime and, under certain conditions, a crime against humanity. In February 2025, Jordan's King Abdullah II agreed to accept 2,000
critically ill children from Gaza for medical treatment. This decision came amid U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Gaza's entire
population to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan. While Jordan accepted the children on a temporary basis, it firmly rejected any plans for
mass resettlement of Palestinians, citing concerns over national security and the right of Palestinians to remain in their homeland.
4
Inhoud
Class 1......................................................................................................................................................2
Daily News ............................................................................................................................................2
Hubris ICC? ...........................................................................................................................................4
1945: Nuremberg ................................................................................................................................. 10
Africa and the ICC ................................................................................................................................ 14
What is ICL?......................................................................................................................................... 16
Class 2.................................................................................................................................................... 20
International crime? ............................................................................................................................. 21
Different reactions to mass atrocities ................................................................................................... 22
Class 3.................................................................................................................................................... 27
Person of the week ............................................................................................................................... 27
Statutes, rules, international courts, treaties, customary law ................................................................. 31
ICL: Substantive justice to strict legality? .............................................................................................. 35
Elements international crimes (actus reus, mens rea) ........................................................................... 37
Class 4.................................................................................................................................................... 41
War crimes .......................................................................................................................................... 41
Conventions after WW1 and WW2 ........................................................................................................ 42
International Humanitarian Law ........................................................................................................... 45
Prohibited means of warfare (weapons) ................................................................................................ 48
Class 5.................................................................................................................................................... 52
Illustration Palestine-Israel-Gaza .......................................................................................................... 52
Crimes against Humanity ..................................................................................................................... 56
Nuremberg .......................................................................................................................................... 56
Today: contextual and objective element (of CAH) ................................................................................. 59
Class 6.................................................................................................................................................... 67
Genocide convention ........................................................................................................................... 68
Developments case law ....................................................................................................................... 69
Class 7.................................................................................................................................................... 71
Ethnic cleansing .................................................................................................................................. 71
Genocide vs Crimes against Humanity ................................................................................................. 75
Lauterpacht/Lemkin ............................................................................................................................ 76
Aggression ........................................................................................................................................... 79
Class 8.................................................................................................................................................... 81
WW1 ................................................................................................................................................... 81
UN Charter and Prohibition of (‘aggressive’) war .................................................................................... 82
1
, Actus reus/Material elements (aggression) ........................................................................................... 89
Mens rea ............................................................................................................................................. 91
Terrorism ............................................................................................................................................. 93
Terrorism war crime or CaH? ................................................................................................................ 96
Galic case ICTY .................................................................................................................................... 98
Torture ............................................................................................................................................... 100
Ecocide ............................................................................................................................................. 102
Class 9.................................................................................................................................................. 104
Perpetration ....................................................................................................................................... 105
Joint Criminal Enterprise .................................................................................................................... 106
Class 10 ................................................................................................................................................ 111
JCE II. Common Criminal Plan within an Institutional Framework (Systemic category) .......................... 111
London Agreement on IMT .................................................................................................................. 112
JCE III. Responsibility for forseeable crimes other participants (extended category) .............................. 114
Co-perpetration ................................................................................................................................. 117
Incitement and Instigation .................................................................................................................. 121
Class 11 ................................................................................................................................................ 124
Attempt ............................................................................................................................................. 125
15.7. Responsibility of superiors ......................................................................................................... 128
16.5. Self-defence ............................................................................................................................. 134
Necessity .......................................................................................................................................... 136
Hitler’s Commando Order .................................................................................................................. 138
Class 12 ................................................................................................................................................ 142
Jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court ................................................................................... 142
Immunities ........................................................................................................................................ 147
Class 13 ................................................................................................................................................ 153
Class 1
Daily News
February 6, 2025: US imposing sanctions on the international criminal court
o https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/imposing-sanctions-on-the-international-
criminal-court/
o Biggest democracy on earth decides that they will go after the international criminal court
o ICC = (answer students) international body that advizes on violations of human rights; are their advizes
binding on legal matters or? Not just advisory body of experts but can prosecute or convict (crimes
against HR) if state they come from are party of the treaty that governs ICC and made it into existence
▪ Verbruggen: international organisation; important who is a member (US is not a member, didn’t
ratify after signing so not binding + redrew their signature)
o Court based in The Hague
2
, o Why are the Americans so mad at the ICC? Many reasons, already started with Afghanistan (party to
ICC) but direct link with arrest warrant of Netanyahu (prime minister Israel (/= head of state of Israël but
leader of the government) and is an ally of US
Arrest warrant issued for Netanyahu1
• MS to the ICC
• ICC: prosecute and punish individuals for the crimes they have committed
• Tells something about the world and political context in which it must function
• In Asia hardly any state is party (except for exceptions like afghanistan, mongolia, bangladesh etc but big states
like india etc are no party or miramar or area of north africa (arabic world))
o often because it’s seen as western-european creation but in africa it’s controversial 2
o Netanyahu and chief IDF (israelian defence force = the army) => arrest warrants out for them; Netanyahu
was in US but hasn’t travelled to other countries yet because one of the discussions is since, whether
since Israël is not a state party (and never signed Rome statute) (=argument of US: they are enforcing
law to states that aren’t parties to the business; out of bounds and using their power in a way they
cannot; it’s a non-state party)3
o Poland: said they wouldn’t arrest Netanyahu if he came to Auswitchz memorial: legal discussion on
immunity and whether you can arrest someone who is head of state/governement (of a non-state party)
1
On 21 November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. They are charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during Israel's military operations in
Gaza following Hamas's attack on 7 October 2023. Specific allegations include the use of starvation as a method of warfare, intentional attacks on
civilians, murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts .
2
Perceived Bias Against Africa
A major point of contention is the ICC's focus on African cases. Out of the 54 individuals indicted by the ICC to date, 47 are African, leading to
accusations that the Court disproportionately targets the continent . This has fueled sentiments that the ICC is a tool of Western imperialism,
punishing leaders from smaller, weaker states while ignoring crimes committed by more powerful nations .
Claims of Neocolonialism and Sovereignty Concerns
Some African leaders argue that the ICC undermines their countries' sovereignty and operates with a neocolonial agenda. For instance, Ethiopian
Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn described the ICC as "a condescending political instrument targeting Africa and Africans" . Similarly, Kenyan
President Uhuru Kenyatta referred to the ICC as a "toy of declining imperial powers" .
Push for Withdrawal from the ICC
In response to these concerns, some African nations have considered withdrawing from the ICC. In 2016, Burundi, South Africa, and The Gambia
announced their intentions to withdraw, citing the Court's alleged bias against Africans . However, South Africa's withdrawal was later deemed
unconstitutional by its High Court, leading the government to revoke its decision . Mixed Reactions Within Africa
Despite criticisms, many African civil society groups and victims' organizations support the ICC, viewing it as a crucial mechanism for justice when
local systems fail. Notably, several African governments have themselves referred cases to the ICC, including Uganda and the Democratic Republic
of Congo .
Calls for Reform
The ICC has acknowledged the need to address perceptions of bias and has taken steps to diversify its investigations beyond Africa. However,
challenges remain, particularly regarding the Court's reliance on cooperation from member states and the influence of powerful non-member
countries on its operations .
3
ICC Jurisdiction Over Non-Party Nationals
The ICC's authority to prosecute individuals from non-member states is grounded in Article 12(2)(a) of the Rome Statute. This provision allows the
Court to exercise jurisdiction if the alleged crimes occurred on the territory of a state party or a state that has accepted the Court's jurisdiction.
In this context, the Palestinian territories are significant. Although Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute, the State of Palestine acceded to the
Statute in 2015 and has recognized the ICC's jurisdiction over crimes committed in its territory since June 13, 2014. This recognition enables the ICC
to investigate and prosecute alleged crimes committed in the Palestinian territories, regardless of the nationality of the accused.
3
, Arrest warrant issued for Putin 4
• Another head of state: Putin (has an arrest warrant for him + lady who organized the transfer of children of ukrain
to russia)
o US denounced that previous US administration had a very different view on Russia
o Alleged crime that Putin is wanted by ICC prosecutor: crimes against humanity and war crimes
▪ One of the debates is that it might even be worse (=genocide)
▪ Not just about obvious war crimes (civilians being murdered, raped,…) but also transfer of
children from a warzone 5
• King of Jordan was in Washington and Trump wants to buy/occupy Gaza Strip (2mlln
ppl must be removed; those should go to Egypt/Jordan) => Jordan not willing to accept
this but accepted to take 2000 children (temporarily)
o But “temporarily” in middle east often turns out as permanent => could be
international crime to remove children of a certain group => could undermine
subsistance of certain groups
o Their argument is often “we are saving them” (also what Russia could say) but
if idea is they should never return: problematic
Is it a Greek Tragedy?
Hubris ICC?
4
the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 17, 2023. He is accused of war crimes,
specifically the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation. These actions are
alleged to have occurred from at least February 24, 2022, during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine . The woman you’re referring to is Maria Alekseyevna
Lvova-Belova, the Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights. On March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest
warrants for both Lvova-Belova and Russian President Vladimir Putin. They are accused of the war crimes of unlawful deportation and transfer of
Ukrainian children from occupied territories to Russia
5
International humanitarian law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, prohibits the forced transfer or deportation of protected persons from
occupied territories, regardless of motive. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) classifies the forcible transfer of children of a
group as a war crime and, under certain conditions, a crime against humanity. In February 2025, Jordan's King Abdullah II agreed to accept 2,000
critically ill children from Gaza for medical treatment. This decision came amid U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Gaza's entire
population to neighboring countries like Egypt and Jordan. While Jordan accepted the children on a temporary basis, it firmly rejected any plans for
mass resettlement of Palestinians, citing concerns over national security and the right of Palestinians to remain in their homeland.
4
