The International Criminal Court (ICC), based in The Hague, Netherlands, is the world’s first permanent tribunal dedicated to prosecuting crimes against humanity. Led by a team of judges, prosecutors, and legal experts, the court plays a crucial role in upholding international justice and accountability. – | International Criminal Court website
For decades, world leaders accused of mass atrocities operated with impunity, shielded by power and political alliances. But the International Criminal Court (ICC) is challenging that notion, proving that justice knows no borders. As the first and only permanent international tribunal designed to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression, the ICC represents a new era of accountability—one where even the most powerful can be called to answer for their actions.
With the recent arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the court has once again made it clear: no one is untouchable.
The Rome Statute: The Birth of Global Accountability
The Rome Statute, adopted on July 17, 1998, and enforced from July 1, 2002, established the ICC and set the legal framework for prosecuting the world’s worst crimes. As of 2025, 124 nations are signatories, committing to assist the court in its mission. However, some of the most influential global powers, including the United States, China, Russia, and India, have refused to ratify the statute, limiting the ICC’s reach.
Under the Rome Statute, the ICC prosecutes:
• Genocide – Acts intended to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
• Crimes Against Humanity – Widespread attacks on civilians, including murder, enslavement, torture, and forced disappearances.
• War Crimes – Violations of the Geneva Conventions, including the targeting of civilians and the use of child soldiers.
• Crimes of Aggression – The unlawful use of military force by one state against another.
Unlike national courts, the ICC functions as a court of last resort, stepping in only when national governments are unwilling or unable to hold perpetrators accountable.
How the ICC Operates
The ICC’s legal process follows a structured system:
1. Investigation – The Office of the Prosecutor, currently led by Karim Khan, gathers evidence.
2. Issuing Arrest Warrants – If sufficient evidence exists, international warrants are issued.
3. Trial and Sentencing – The accused stands trial before ICC judges, with possible sentences of up to life imprisonment.
However, the ICC has one major limitation—it has no police force. It depends entirely on member nations to arrest and extradite suspects. This has often led to long delays, with some accused individuals evading justice for years.
High-Profile ICC Cases: Holding Leaders Accountable
Despite its enforcement challenges, the ICC has issued landmark arrest warrants, sending a clear message that even the most powerful figures can face trial.
Vladimir Putin: The First Warrant Against a Major Superpower Leader
In March 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of war crimes related to the deportation of Ukrainian children amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The move was historic—it marked the first time the ICC had indicted the sitting leader of a United Nations Security Council member.
However, with Russia refusing to recognize the ICC, Putin remains free, and the case underscores the ICC’s biggest obstacle: enforcement.
Benjamin Netanyahu: The ICC’s Most Controversial Case Yet
In November 2024, the ICC took a bold step by issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They were accused of war crimes during the Gaza conflict, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
The case sparked international controversy, as it marked the first time the ICC pursued leaders of a democratic, Western-aligned country. The move heightened tensions between Israel, the U.S., and the ICC, with some Western nations questioning the court’s legitimacy.
Rodrigo Duterte: The ICC’s Landmark Arrest in Asia
On March 11, 2025, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport upon returning from Hong Kong. He now faces charges of murder as a crime against humanity for his violent war on drugs, which left thousands of Filipinos dead between 2016 and 2022.
Despite withdrawing the Philippines from the ICC in 2019, Duterte could not escape its reach. The court maintains jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member (2002–2019).
Global Reactions to Duterte’s Arrest
Duterte’s arrest has shaken political and legal institutions worldwide:
• Human rights groups hailed it as a historic victory for justice.
• “This is a defining moment for the rule of law,” said Agnes Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
• Duterte’s supporters, including his daughter, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on Philippine sovereignty.
• Manila saw protests from both sides—Duterte loyalists demanding his release and activists calling for a full ICC trial.
What Happens Next?
Duterte has been flown to The Hague, where he will stand trial. His legal team argues that the ICC has no authority over him, but many legal experts believe his case could set a historic precedent for holding state leaders accountable for mass killings.
If convicted, Duterte could face life in prison in a facility designated for ICC convicts, such as Scheveningen Prison in the Netherlands.
Challenges Facing the ICC
The ICC’s work is far from easy, and it faces serious hurdles:
• Lack of enforcement power – Without its own police force, the ICC relies on countries to cooperate in arrests.
• Political pushback – Countries like the U.S., Russia, China, and the Philippines argue that the ICC interferes with national sovereignty.
• Claims of bias – Some critics argue the ICC disproportionately targets leaders from Africa and developing nations, while being hesitant to prosecute Western figures.
The Future of Global Justice
The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte has redefined what is possible in international law. His detention isn’t just about one man—it represents a turning point in the fight against state-sanctioned violence and impunity.
The ICC’s challenges remain vast, but its message is undeniable: no leader, no matter how powerful, is above accountability. Duterte’s arrest signals to dictators, warlords, and presidents alike: if you commit crimes against humanity, the world is watching, and justice will find you.
