James Ekin is a UK staff correspondent for JURIST. He files this report from The Hague.

On 5 December 2022, the 21^st session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is opening at the World Forum Convention Center in The Hague, the Netherlands. The session is scheduled from 5 to 10 December 2022.

In accordance with Article 112 of the Rome Statute, the Assembly of States Parties meets at the seat of the Court in The Hague or at the United Nations Headquarters in New York once a year and, when circumstances so require, may hold special sessions.

Each State Party to the Rome Statute has one representative in the Assembly who may be accompanied by alternatives and advisers. The Rome Statute further provides that each State Party has one vote, although every effort shall be made to reach decisions by consensus. States not party to the Rome Statute may take part in the work of the Assembly as observers, without the right to vote. The President, the Prosecutor and the Registrar or their representatives may also participate, as appropriate, in the meetings of the Assembly.

The Assembly is tasked with providing management oversight to the ICC Presidency, the Prosecutor and the Registrar regarding administration of the Court. In addition, the Assembly adopts the Rules of Procedure and Evidence and the Elements of Crime. Serving as the governing body of the Court, the ASP meets in full plenary once a year to discuss and decide upon matters key to the future functioning of the ICC. Civil society is there every step of the way, monitoring sessions and interacting with delegates, in order to advocate for a fair, effective and independent ICC.

This year I’ll be attending the Assembly of States Parties from Monday to Thursday. All plenary meetings will be shown virtually in English and French on the ICC YouTube channel.