Law Commons^™

The Importance Of Effective Investigation Of Sexual Violence And Gender-Based Crimes At The International Criminal Court, Susana Sacouto

Feminist Scholarship

INTRODUCTION: Several provisions in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC or the Court) indicate that the statute's drafters intended sexual violence and gender-based crimes to be given specific attention during the investigation of potential cases before the Court. For instance, Article 54(1)(b) requires that, in ensuring the "effective investigation and prosecution of crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court," the Prosecutor "take into account the nature of the crime, in particular where it involves sexual violence, gender violence or violence against children."' The Rome Statute also provides that States Parties, which are responsible for nominating and electing …