Global Rights Compliance (GRC) is pleased to announce three key side events at the upcoming 23rd Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute at the World Forum in The Hague, Netherlands. These events will explore critical issues surrounding justice for children in armed conflict, accountability pathways and solutions for North Korean atrocities, and Russia’s systematic attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.
1. Exploring New Opportunities for DPRK Accountability at the ICC and ICJ
Date: 4th December 2024
Time: 08:30 AM CET
Location: Asia Room, World Forum, The Hague
The Republic of Korea, together with GRC and the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) will explore innovative pathways to pursue accountability for the atrocities committed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), through the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Distinguished panelists will address complex legal, policy, and political considerations, and opportunities for justice for victims of the North Korean regime. The event is generously supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).
2. Global Dialogue on Justice for Children in Armed Conflict: Perspectives and Strategies from Ukraine and Beyond
Date: 4th December 2024
Time: 18:15 – 19:45 CET
Location: Oceania Room, World Forum, The Hague
This event will focus on the widespread and disproportionate impact of armed conflict on children. This ASP Side Event will explore the strategies and visions designed and developed by justice actors in Ukraine, Sudan, State of Palestine, and Colombia to document, investigate and prosecute crimes against and affecting children committed during armed conflict, with the aim to strengthen child-sensitive justice processes globally.
This side event draws upon the work of the Mobile Child Justice Team which has been providing ongoing support to the Juvenile Justice Department of the Office of the Prosecutor General in Ukraine, with the support of the Netherlands under the MATRA-Ukraine Project and the European Union as part of the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group.
3. Civilian Infrastructure in Crisis: Documenting Attacks in Ukraine
Date: 5th December 2024
Time: 13:15 – 14:45 CET
Location: King Willem Alexander Room, World Forum, The Hague
Lithuania, in collaboration with GRC, eyeWitness to Atrocities, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), and Truth Hounds, will highlight Russia’s systematic attacks on Ukraine’s critical civilian infrastructure, including energy, water, shelter, and healthcare services. The event will cover investigations into Russia’s bombardment and deliberate destruction of these essential services, which are part of a broader strategy to undermine civilian morale and disrupt life in Ukraine. GRC’s Starvation Mobile Justice Team, will launch a Story Map highlighting the invesitigations it has undertaken over the past two years including on the siege of Mariupol. The event will also address attacks on healthcare facilities, and the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam.
Read the agenda via the link.
These side events aim to deepen understandings, share lessons learned, and advance accountability for these critical issues. They underline the need for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prioritize these violations in its investigations and arrest warrants. Join us in The Hague for these vital discussions on justice, accountability, and the protection of civilians.
GRC’s Mobile Justice Team is a part of the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group (ACA). The ACA is a multilateral initiative established by the United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom to support and assist Ukrainian law enforcement and prosecutors in investigating and prosecuting international crimes committed during a full-scale war.