ICC opens eleventh Seminar and Training of Counsel in The Hague

The eleventh edition of the annual Seminar of Counsel, organized by the Registrar of the International Criminal Court (ICC), is being held on 21 and 22 October 2013 at The Hague University and will be followed by a three-day training in The Hague (The Netherlands).

The Eleventh Seminar of Counsel is an opportunity for the Court to recognize the important contribution Counsel members make to the ICC’s mandate, and to continue the mutually beneficial dialogue between the ICC and Counsel. During this event, Counsel and Court representatives share their experiences, discuss issues of mutual interest and explore ways of addressing challenges together.

Programme

This year’s Seminar opens with statements from the ICC President, Judge Sang-Hyun Song, the ICC Registrar, Mr Herman von Hebel, and the Head of the Department of International Affairs for the Municipality of The Hague, Ms Astrid Bronswijk. The first day will also feature a speech by Judge Joyce Aluoch in her capacity as Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Legal Texts, a presentation by a former representative of Counsel in this Committee, and a panel discussion on “Important Developments in Assistance to Counsel and Victims”. Additionally, and in order to inform Counsel of the latest developments on this matter, the rapporteur specially appointed by the ICC Registrar will present an evaluation of the ICC’s Victims and Witnesses Unit. The Registrar has reserved a closed Session for Counsel to mark the end of the first day of the Seminar.

The second day of the Seminar will commence with a Keynote Speech by the guest of honour, His Excellency Mr Adama Dieng, United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, with the theme: “The Role of Lawyers in the Administration of Justice and the Development of the Rule of Law”. Panellists will then discuss “Important Developments in ICC Jurisprudence”, followed by a presentation by representatives from the ICC Office of the Prosecutor on the “Code of Conduct for the Office of the Prosecutor”. Trust Fund for Victims representatives will present “Challenges of Reparative Justice”, and a public information video will be followed by closing remarks by the Dean of the Bar of The Hague and a senior Court official.

As in past sessions, in addition to including representatives of legal associations and ad hoc tribunals, the Seminar places special focus on members of the Courts’ list of Counsel maintained by the Registrar. To date, more than 480 lawyers from all over the globe are admitted to the list.

This year’s Seminar will also be followed by three days of practical training sessions provided by renowned specialists. The focus this year will be on professional advocacy, examination and cross-examination of witnesses, and matters of reparative justice. Registry representatives will also provide participants with information and training targeted towards improving access to the Court’s internal administrative procedures, and the use of the e-Court system.

The ICC Registry would like to express its gratitude to both the European Commission and the Municipality of The Hague for their generous financial contributions to support the Eleventh Seminar of Counsel and Training.

Click here for the programme and further information

For any questions regarding the Eleventh Seminar of Counsel and Training, please contact the Counsel Support Section via the following address: [email protected]

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