ICC internally inquires on allegations of sexual abuse by former ICC staff member
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened a formal internal inquiry into allegations communicated by four individuals under the ICC’s protection programme that they had been subject to sexual abuse by a former ICC staff member working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Court has a zero tolerance policy towards any form of sexual abuses and is handling these allegations with great rigor and caution.
The allegations concerned were promptly communicated by the ICC to the relevant national authorities. Before opening the inquiry, appropriate actions were taken by the ICC to ensure the safety, security and well-being of the four individuals, in addition to supplementary measures aiming at providing reinforced psychological and medical support and legal assistance.
The internal inquiry is aimed at establishing the facts underlying the allegations and fairly determining any possible responsibilities. The results of this inquiry will be reported to the ICC Judges and relevant parties to the proceedings concerned.
Ensuring the safety and security of victims and witnesses is one of the most important duties of the Court and a cornerstone of fair trials. The Court is profoundly concerned by these grave allegations and is fully addressing this matter by taking all appropriate actions to ensure accountability and fairness.
For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: [email protected].
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