Sierra Leone Takes Center Stage at ASP23 as Global Justice Efforts Advance

The 22nd Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute is set to conclude on December 7, 2023, after a pivotal five-day session addressing pressing international justice challenges.

Delegates, including representatives from 123 member states, observer nations, and civil society organizations, convened to advance the mandate of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Among the key participants were Sierra Leone’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Mohamed Lamin Tarawalley, ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan, and ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler. Together, they explored strategies for enhancing cooperation among States Parties and ensuring justice for victims of grave crimes under the Rome Statute.

Critical resolutions concerning the ICC’s operations, the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV), and budgetary priorities were at the forefront of discussions. Delegates deliberated on measures to strengthen the Court’s capacity to deliver justice while navigating financial constraints.

One of the assembly’s significant actions will be the appointment of new officials to key positions within the Court’s framework. These include five members to the TFV Board of Directors, five to the Committee on Budget and Finance, and nine to the Advisory Committee on judge nominations.

The Trust Fund for Victims, a cornerstone of the ICC’s mission to provide reparative justice, drew substantial attention. Discussions centered on expanding the TFV’s scope to address the needs of survivors of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The ASP23 emphasized the importance of collective efforts to uphold international law amid growing global challenges. The outcomes of this assembly are expected to shape the ICC’s agenda in the coming year.