ASP24 ICC Side Event: defending the ICC for all victims of atrocity crimes — through Ukraine’s lens

The side event “Through Ukraine’s Lens: Defending the ICC Now for All Victims of Atrocity Crimes” will take place on the margins of the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. The event will be held in Room Yangtze 1 on December 1 at 13:15–14:15.

In 2025, continuous attacks and other challenges faced by the International Criminal Court (ICC) have intensified to an unprecedented level. Beyond its institutional limitations, budgetary constraints, and significant workload, issues like instances of non-cooperation, threats of withdrawal from the Rome Statute, and the imposition of sanctions have further fueled concerns about the Court’s ability to operate effectively under its mandate, which is recognised and protected by 125 States Parties.

Yet, the ICC remains a unique pathway for ensuring accountability for international crimes of the highest gravity, offering hope to countless victims around the world. As the world’s only permanent international criminal tribunal, its strong legitimacy and institutional legacy make the Court a mechanism that affected communities continue to look to when other jurisdictions are unable or unwilling to bring perpetrators to justice.

The situation in Ukraine is a vivid example of this. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, numerous mechanisms have been activated to pursue accountability for conflict-related violations. Yet, almost four years on, the domestic justice system, third-state investigations based on the principle of universal jurisdiction, human rights mechanisms, and other pathways continue to struggle to deliver an adequate justice response.

While such jurisdictions should be further supported and strengthened, they remain inherently limited in their ability to address the crimes that fall within the ICC’s unique mandate. As all jurisdictions are interconnected and designed to function in a complementary manner, any limitation in the effectiveness of one accountability mechanism inevitably disrupts the overall balance and hinders the prospects of achieving a comprehensive justice architecture.

In light of the challenges mentioned above, there is a growing concern as to whether the Court will keep up the pace it took after the opening of the investigation in 2022. However, by continuing to demonstrate its commitment to pursuing justice for the victims in Ukraine through consistent and visible action, the Court can reinforce the trust in the institution and demonstrate its indispensable role. 

Therefore, now more than ever, the ICC requires decisive support from all stakeholders – and above all, from States Parties to the Rome Statute – to safeguard and reinforce an institution that continues to embody the hope for justice for victims, not only in Ukraine but across the globe. 

Drawing on the perspectives of Ukrainian organisations that represent victims and survivors of grave crimes, document violations, support justice efforts domestically and internationally, and engage directly with the ICC, the side event will explore:

• the context in which the Court is currently operating, and its existing and potential impact on justice efforts in Ukraine;
• the role of the ICC within the broader accountability landscape and the emerging gaps; and
• possible avenues for States Parties, civil society, the Court itself, and other stakeholders to ensure the ICC’s resilience amid today’s turbulent challenges.

Speakers: 

• Hanna Rassamakhina, Head of War and Justice Department, Media Initiative for Human Rights
• Onysiia Syniuk, Legal Analyst, Human Rights Centre ZMINA
• Alina Pavliuk, Legal Coordinator and Analyst, ULAG

Co-organisers: Media Initiative for Human Rights, Human Rights Centre ZMINA, Ukrainian Legal Advisory Group