ICC hosts a Seminar on Revised Victims’ Strategy
Press Release: 03 July 2025
On 1 and 2 July 2025, the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “Court”) hosted a significant Seminar titled “Victims Strategy 2025: A Renewed Commitment”, bringing together a diverse group of experts and practitioners in victims’ rights and representation alongside victims and survivors themselves. The event marked a pivotal step in the Court’s ongoing efforts to enhance its comprehensive approach to victims, encompassing participation, protection, support, and reparations. The seminar was organised with funding from the European Union and took place at the seat of the Court, in The Hague, The Netherlands.
Over two days, internal and external stakeholders engaged in rich exchanges on key issues, including strengthening a victim-centred approach, ensuring victims' voices are heard and prioritised, and addressing the diversity of their experiences. Participants explored ways to improve outreach, access to information, and quality legal representation to enable meaningful participation in proceedings. They also discussed healing-based approaches that focus on acknowledging harm, fostering reconciliation, and providing trauma-sensitive, long-term support tailored to victims’ and survivors’ specific needs.
The seminar also served as a platform to reflect on the findings of the Report on the Outcomes of the Online Consultation on the Revised Court Strategy in relation to victims (“Outcomes Report”). This consultation represents a crucial step in a broader, inclusive process that seeks to elevate victims’ voices and ensure their perspectives guide the Court’s future direction.
Background: At its 22nd session, the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) reaffirmed the fundamental rights of victims to equal and effective access to justice, protection, support, and reparations. In alignment with this commitment, the ASP, through its omnibus resolution (ICC-ASP/23/Res.1), requested the Court to initiate consultations for developing an updated Revised Strategy in Relation to Victims, considering relevant recommendations from the Independent Expert Review.
The ICC was established to ensure that the most serious crimes of concern to the international community do not go unpunished. At the heart of this mandate lies a commitment to recognising the harm suffered by victims and placing their rights and needs at the centre of justice efforts. Their voices and experiences are essential to uncovering the truth, ensuring accountability, and reinforcing trust in the Court’s work. Through the seminar and the broader consultation process, the Court is working towards the development of an updated, institution-wide strategy in relation to victims, one that reflects a consistent, coordinated, and inclusive approach and responds meaningfully to the diverse realities of victims and survivors.
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]
You can also follow the Court’s activities on Twitter/X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Flickr