Former Philippine President to Face Pre-Trial Hearing at ICC Over Crimes Against Humanity
Key Points
The former Philippine President is set to face a pre-trial hearing at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his anti-drug campaign, which reportedly caused thousands of deaths. This is significant for UPSC aspirants as it relates to GS Paper 2, focusing on international relations and institutions. Last Updated: 21-02-2026
Key Facts About the International Criminal Court (ICC)
- The ICC is the world's first permanent international tribunal established to prosecute individuals for serious international crimes.
- It operates on the principle of complementarity, intervening only when national systems are unable or unwilling to prosecute.
- Established by the Rome Statute, adopted on 17th July 1998 and effective from 1st July 2002.
- Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands.
- Prosecutes four core crimes: Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, War Crimes, and Crime of Aggression.
- As of February 2026, 125 countries are States Parties to the Rome Statute.
- India, USA, China, and Israel are non-parties to the ICC.
- The ICC relies on member states for enforcement as it lacks its own police force.
ICC's Role in Global Justice
The ICC plays a crucial role in promoting global justice by holding individuals accountable for grave crimes that threaten international peace and security. It supports India's strategic goal of maintaining international law and order, although India is not a member. The ICC's actions can influence international relations and diplomatic strategies, impacting India's foreign policy decisions.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 2: International relations, international institutions, and their role in global governance.
- Prelims: Questions on the establishment, jurisdiction, and functioning of the ICC.
- Mains: Analytical themes on international justice systems, sovereignty issues, and India's stance on global institutions.
- Essay Paper: Topics on international law and justice.
FAQ Section
- What is the ICC? The International Criminal Court is a permanent tribunal that prosecutes individuals for serious international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression.
- Why is the ICC important? The ICC is vital for ensuring accountability for grave crimes that threaten global peace and security, thereby upholding international law and justice.
- What are the key features of the ICC? The ICC operates on complementarity, prosecutes four core crimes, and relies on member states for enforcement due to the lack of its own police force.
Detailed Coverage
- Former Philippine President faces pre-trial hearing at ICC.
- Allegations involve crimes against humanity from anti-drug campaign.
- ICC is the world's first permanent international tribunal.
- Established by the Rome Statute on 17th July 1998.
- ICC prosecutes individuals, not states, for four core crimes.
- Core crimes include Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity, War Crimes, and Crime of Aggression.
- Jurisdiction activated for crimes after 1st July 2002.
- Jurisdiction can be triggered by territory, UNSC referral, or proprio motu investigations.
- 125 countries are ICC States Parties as of February 2026.
- India, USA, China, and Israel are non-parties to the Rome Statute.
- India objects to ICC over national sovereignty concerns.
- ICC has four main organs: Presidency, Judicial Divisions, Office of the Prosecutor, and Registry.
- Assembly of States Parties (ASP) oversees legislative functions.
- ICC relies on member states for enforcement and cooperation.
- ICC differs from ICJ, focusing on individual criminal prosecution.
- Significant international legal implications surround the case.