On 29 to 31 January 2025, the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "Court") held a Training for Counsel with the participation of over 260 lawyers including counsel registered on the ICC List of Counsel, list of assistants to counsel and members of the legal teams currently active before the Court. The training was organised with funding from the European Union and took place both at the seat of the Court, in The Hague, The Netherlands, and online.
The Registrar of the Court, Osvaldo Zavala Giler, welcomed the participants to the Training for Counsel. Registrar Zavala Giler noted "that the training is not just an opportunity to learn, but a chance to engage, collaborate, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of international criminal law. Legal practitioners from around the world can join us, fostering a global exchange of ideas, perspectives, and expertise. The training serves as a testament to our shared determination to overcome obstacles and to the Court's steadfast commitment to justice and accountability on behalf of the international community."
The sessions provided participants with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the several key topics, including the Code of Professional Conduct for counsel, the development or selection of the optimum theory of the case, cross-examination techniques, victim participation and reparation proceedings before the ICC, and information security. Participants were also briefed on the latest developments in ongoing cases before the Court. They also received updates on the functioning of the legal aid system of the Court, the services offered by the Office of Public Counsel for the defence, courtroom and hearings management, the well-being of detained persons, support to victims and witnesses and activities of the ICC Bar Association.
ICC seminars and trainings for lawyers registered on the ICC lists have been an annual activity of the Court since 2004, providing a unique platform to celebrate the contribution of Counsel to the Court's mandate and to engage in mutually beneficial dialogue with the legal profession.
More information on Counsels at the ICC can be found here
More information on the International Criminal Court Bar Association can be found here.
