Please note that the purpose of the application form for participation in the proceedings and for reparations is NOT to provide evidence. The collection of evidence is not within the mandate of the VPRS, but that of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor (OTP). The OTP generally receives any relevant information that may be considered as evidence relating to crimes within the jurisdiction of the ICC at: [email protected], at any time.

For more victim-related information please click here.

Relevant crimes

The Single Judge found reasonable grounds to believe that Mr Said, in his position as commander and top-ranking Seleka based at the OCRB ("Office Central de Répression du Banditisme")  from at least 12 April 2013 until OCRB's closure on 22 August 2013; and as operations commander for the CEDAD ("Comité Extraordinaire pour la Défense des Acquis Démocratiques") is responsible for the commission of the following crimes, committed between at least 12 April and at least 22 August 2013 in the OCRB, and between at least 22 August and at least 27 November 2013 in the CEDAD detention centres in Bangui ( See Arrest Warrant ):

• crimes against humanity, committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population, namely :
  • imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty (article 7(1)(e) of the Statute),
  • torture (article 7(1)(f) of the Statute),
  • persecution (article 7(1)(h) of the Statute) ;
  • enforced disappearance (in the CEDAD detention center) ; and
  • other inhumane acts (article 7(1)(k) of the Statute); and
• war crimes, committed in the context of and associated with an armed conflict not of an international character, namely
  • torture and cruel treatment (article 8(2)(c)(i) of the Statute).

Victims of these alleged crimes have the right to participate in the confirmation of charges proceedings by putting their views and concerns to the Judges when their interests are affected. Victims' participation normally happens through a legal representative.

Please contact the Victims Participation and Reparations Section ("VPRS") at [email protected] if you believe you are a victim of the crimes outlined in the above-mentioned arrest warrant and wish to participate in the proceedings or request reparations related to this case.  

If you are interested in the process because you are able to assist victims when applying to participate in proceedings, please get in touch with us. The VPRS will explain how the ICC works and the rights that victims have before the ICC, including how victims can engage in the process.

The participation of victims in proceedings is voluntary and the process of applying - including all relevant application forms and information materials - is free of charge.

Who is a victim?

Victims are given a distinct voice in the proceedings that is independent from the one of the Prosecutor. Their role is different from the role of the Prosecutor, they participate of their own right (see article 68(3) of the Rome Statute)., they participate of their own right (see article 68(3) of the Rome Statute). Their voice in the courtroom will help the Judges to obtain a clear picture of what happened to the victims, how they suffered and how certain issues at stake affect their interests. It is important to be aware, however, that putting forward views and concerns will not always result in the ICC following the wishes of victims. In taking their decisions, the Judges will be balancing different interests and concerns, including the right of the defence to a fair trial.  

For the purposes of participation in ICC proceedings, the ICC recognizes the following categories of victims (see also rule 85 of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence):

Individual persons who have suffered harm as a result of one of the ICC crimes.  Individual victims should apply by completing the application form for participation for individuals which will be available on this website in due course. 

• Individual victims may include men, women, victims of sexual violence, children, persons with disabilities, or elderly persons. An individual victim can also be a person who suffered indirect harm as a result of a crime targeted at another person (direct victim), such as a family member of someone who has been killed.

Organizations or institutions, when their property dedicated to certain purposes (religion, education, art, science or charitable and humanitarian purposes, or historic monuments or hospitals) is directly harmed as a result of one of the crimes outlined in the arrest warrant. Organizations and institutions should apply for participation by using the application form for participation for organizations which should be available on this website as soon as it will be accepted by the relevant Chamber. Only duly authorized representatives of an organization or institution may complete the application form.

It is important to know that victimsʹ participation in proceedings is entirely different from a victim's possible role as a witness called to testify before the ICC by the Prosecution, the Defence, or the victims' Legal Representative. Any relevant information that could be used as evidence relating to a crime within the jurisdiction of the ICC can be sent at any time to the Office of the Prosecutor at: [email protected]

How to apply for participation and or reparations?

The VPRS is the section within the Registry that informs victims of their rights relating to participation and reparations at the ICC, and enables them to submit applications to the ICC if they wish to participate in proceedings or request reparations in case of a conviction of the accused.

Victims' access to the ICC for the purpose of their participation in the proceedings will be facilitated through standard application forms and the VPRS will assist in how to fill them out. Application forms and relevant guidelines will be available on this website in due course.

The VPRS may also assist in organizing victims' legal representation.

Contact us at VPRS.Information@icc-cpi.