International Criminal Court: The Commitment to Gender Equality and Women's Rights

10-03-2022

Grace ATALUI MOKANGO

International Justice and Human Rights Researcher

Global Human Rights Defence 

Operating in an international environment, the International Criminal Court has always been committed to equal treatment in its work. On 8 March each year the world celebrates International Women's Rights Day, and the Court has marked the occasion by reiterating its support for global action to advance gender equality and empower all girls and women.

A press release of 8 March noted that the Court's leadership participates in the International Gender Champions network in their capacity as heads of the three organs of the Court, and the Court's current 18 judges have a 50/50 gender balance. Internally, the Court is taking concrete steps to strengthen and promote gender equality among its staff of more than 900 from nearly 100 different countries through the appointment of a Gender Equality Coordinator and by holding consultations on the first draft of its Gender Equality and Workplace Culture Strategy, which concludes this week.

Gender considerations have always been an important part of the Court's work, as they reinforce women's rights, particularly the violence they suffer, including the use of rape as a weapon of war. To this end, the Court adopts policies relating to the protection of women and children in conflict and ensures their representation in its work. 

Source and further reading 

International Criminal Court, International Criminal Court marks International Women’s Day, Press release, ( 10 March 2022), from: https://www.icc-cpi.int/Pages/item.aspx?name=pr1645