The International Criminal Court-Problems and Prospects in a Unipolar World by John Okopi Alu and Usman Dibal Anduwil
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has brought in a new era in the protection of human rights. The ICC technically came into force on the 11th of April 2002 when the instruments of ratification of the Rome statute was simultaneously lodged by 10 countries to bring the number of the countrieswho had ratified the Rome Statute at the time to 66 countries.1 Officially however, the 1st of July, 2002 is recognized as the date the ICC came into being. Protecting against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, the court acts when national justice systems are unwilling or unable to do so.
The ICC investigates and, where necessary, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes which international community considers to be of concern. The ICC has emerged as another means for the enforcement of International Humanitarian law.