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Preliminary examinations

Before an investigation can begin, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) conducts a preliminary examination to decide whether there is enough information on crimes of sufficient gravity, providing a reasonable basis to open an investigation. During this examination, OTP analyses whether or not the ICC has jurisdiction (a crime listed in the Rome Statute appears to have been committed by a national of a State Party or on the territory of a State Party, after 1 July 2002); whether an investigation would be admissible (a national court is not already dealing with it); and whether or not an investigation would be in the interests of justice and of the victims (here OTP considers whether, regardless of jurisdiction and admissibility, there is some good reason not to take on this situation).

Afghanistan

Focus: Alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Afghanistan since 1 May 2003

Phase 3: Admissibility

Burundi

Focus: Alleged crimes under the ICC’s jurisdiction committed in Burundi since April 2015

Phase 2: Subject-matter jurisdiction

Colombia

Focus: Alleged war crimes committed since 1 November 2009 and alleged crimes against humanity committed since 1 November 2002 in Colombia

Phase 3: Admissibility

Guinea

Focus: Alleged crimes against humanity committed in the context of the 28 September 2009 events in Conakry, Guinea

Phase 3: Admissibility

Iraq/UK

Focus: Alleged war crimes committed by United Kingdom nationals in the context of the Iraq conflict and occupation from 2003 to 2008

Phase 2: Subject-matter jurisdiction

Nigeria

Focus: Alleged crimes against humanity or war crimes committed in the Niger Delta, the Middle-Belt States and in the context of armed conflict between Boko Haram and Nigerian security forces in Nigeria.

Phase 3: Admissibility

Palestine

Current focus: Alleged crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, since 13 June 2014

Phase 2: Subject-matter jurisdiction

Registered Vessels of Comoros, Greece and Cambodia

On 16 July 2015, following a request for review presented by the Government of the Union of the Comoros, Pre-Trial Chamber I requested the Prosecutor to reconsider her decision.
On 6 November 2015, the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) decided by majority to dismiss, in limine and without discussing its merits, the Prosecutor's appeal against the decision of Pre-Trial Chamber I requesting the Prosecutor to reconsider the decision.

Ukraine

Focus: Alleged crimes committed in the context of the "Maidan" protests since 21 November and other events in Ukraine since 20 February 2014

Phase 2: Subject-matter jurisdiction

Preliminary examinations

9

Situations under investigation

10

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