ICC judges visit Flossenbürg Concentration Camp Memorial and hold annual retreat at International Nuremberg Principles Academy
On 16 and 17 June 2025, the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) held their annual judicial retreat in Nuremberg, Germany, with the support of the International Nuremberg Principles Academy. The retreat provided the judges of the Court with an opportunity to reflect on the legacies of the Nuremberg trials 80 years after the establishment of the International Military Tribunal. The judges also discussed various topics aimed at further enhancing the efficiency of ICC proceedings and improving internal working practices within the judiciary.
On 16 June 2025, the judges of the Court paid their respects to the victims of the Flossenbürg Concentration Camp Memorial, located near the German-Czech border. The visit served as a sombre reminder of the Court’s mandate to address unimaginable atrocities committed against children, women and men that deeply shock the conscience of humanity. Walking in the footsteps of such victims, the judges reflected on the universality of the need to pursue justice for the victims of atrocity crimes through fair judicial proceedings.
On 17 June 2025, the judges continued their retreat at the International Nuremberg Principles Academy, discussing various topics aimed at enhancing the efficiency of ICC proceedings and improving internal working practices. The judges discussed a proposed new rule in the Rules of Procedure and Evidence to be submitted to the Assembly of States Parties to regulate motions of acquittal, thus facilitating increased clarity and consistency in accordance with recommendations contained in the Independent Expert Review. In addition, the judges sought to enhance internal working practices through the increased use of internal templates across divisions for certain types of procedural decisions. The judges also agreed to adopt an amendment to the Code of Judicial Ethics governing the use of social media by judges.
The judges visited historic Courtroom 600, site of the trial held before the International Military Tribunal, and the retreat concluded with the adoption of a statement on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the Nuremberg trial by the judges of the Court, which emphasises the historic link between the war crimes trials following the second world war and the establishment of the ICC.
During the retreat, the ICC President, Judge Tomoko Akane, emphasised the legacy of the Nuremberg trials and highlighted that, at a challenging time for the Court and international justice, “wholehearted support for the rule of law and mandate of the International Criminal Court is imperative”.
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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