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Subject: Global Groupings and Conventions

Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

  • [pib] UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD)

    Why in the News?

    India has joined the prestigious UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD).

    About UN-CEBD

    Details
    • Established in 2014 during the 45th session of the UN Statistical Commission.
    • First Chair: Australia.
    • Explores the potential of big data and data science in transforming official statistics.
    • Monitors progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using innovative data sources.
    Structural Mandate and Implementation Mandate:

    • Develop global programs for using big data in official statistics.
    • Monitor SDG indicators using advanced data science.
    • Address challenges like cross-border data sharing and ethical concerns.

    Governance Structure:

    • Advisory Board: Strategic oversight and guidance.
    • UN Bureau: Handles operational tasks.

    Implementation Mechanism:

    • Capacity building through training.
    • Promote global collaboration and innovation.
    Powers and Functions
    • Strategic Vision: Integrate big data into national/international statistical systems.
    • Practical Use: Utilize non-traditional data sources like IoT, satellite imagery, and private sector data.
    • Capacity Building: Train statisticians in data science techniques.
    • Global Standards: Develop frameworks for cross-border data sharing and ethical practices.
    • Policy Integration: Advocate for data-driven policymaking.
    Why India Joined?
    • Enhancing Statistical Capabilities: Modernize processes with IoT, satellite imagery, etc.
    • Global Collaboration: Share innovations like the Data Innovation Lab and learn best practices.
    • SDG Monitoring: Leverage big data for robust tracking of SDGs.
    • Showcasing Leadership: Strengthen India’s position in global data governance.
    • Economic and Policy Benefits: Enable evidence-based decisions to address socio-economic challenges.
  • INTERPOL publishes first Silver Notice targeting criminal assets

    Why in the News?

    The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has issued a Silver Notice to trace and recover criminal assets, marking the first expansion of its color-coded notices to specifically target the finances of organized crime networks.

    What is Silver Notice?

    • It is an INTERPOL initiative aimed at tracing, locating, and recovering criminal assets linked to crimes such as fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, and environmental offenses.
    • Objective: It targets assets like properties, vehicles, financial accounts, and businesses that are connected to criminal activities.
    • It was launched in 2023 as part of a pilot phase involving 52 countries, and this phase will run until November 2025.
    • How does it work?
      • Member countries can request INTERPOL to issue a Silver Notice for assistance in gathering information about criminal assets.
      • The Notice is shared globally with all 196 INTERPOL member countries, while Diffusions can be directed to specific countries for more targeted cooperation.
      • All Silver Notices and Diffusions are reviewed by INTERPOL’s General Secretariat to ensure compliance with its rules, including prohibitions on political misuse as outlined in Article 3 of the INTERPOL Constitution.
      • The first-ever Silver Notice was requested by Italy to trace assets linked to a senior mafia member, showcasing its potential to combat organized crime.

    INTERPOL publishes first Silver Notice targeting criminal assets

    About INTERPOL

    Structural Mandate and Implementation
    • Establishment: Founded in 1923 in Vienna, now headquartered in Lyon, France, with 195 member countries.
    • Mandate: Supports cross-border police cooperation, helping agencies combat international crime.
    • India became a member of INTERPOL in June 1956.

    Structural Mandate:

    • Secretary General: Oversees daily operations.
    • General Secretariat (Lyon): Manages global databases and police communication systems.
    • Global Complex for Innovation (Singapore): Research, training, and cybercrime initiatives.
    • Regional Bureaus: Satellite offices worldwide.
    • National Central Bureaus (NCBs): Each member country, such as India’s CBI, serves as its national focal point for INTERPOL.
    • I-24/7 Service: A secure global police communication system enabling real-time sharing of urgent and sensitive information.
    Powers and Functions
    • Data Sharing: Manages 19 police databases on crimes and criminals, accessible in real-time by member countries.
    • Notices and Diffusions: Issues color-coded notices (e.g., Red, Yellow, Blue, Silver) to locate fugitives, missing persons, or criminal assets; not legally binding but widely used by law enforcement.

    Operational Support:
    Investigative Assistance: Provides forensics, analysis, and fugitive-tracking support.
    Coordination: Enables law enforcement agencies to handle transnational crime efficiently.

  • Indonesia officially joined BRICS as the 11th member

    Why in the News?

    Indonesia has officially joined BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) as a full member. This move was unanimously approved during the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg and announced by Brazil, which holds the presidency of BRICS in 2025.

    What is BRICS?

    • BRICS represents a coalition of nations committed to fostering economic growth, development cooperation, and global governance reform.
    • BRICS focuses on collaboration across 3 key pillars:
    1. Political and Security Cooperation: Ensuring peace, global stability, and governance reform.
    2. Economic and Financial Cooperation: Promoting trade, investment, and economic resilience.
    3. Cultural and People-to-People Cooperation: Enhancing mutual understanding and societal linkages.
    • Present Members of BRICS
      • Original Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
      • Recent Additions: Indonesia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE.

    Indonesia has officially joined BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) as a full member. This move was unanimously approved during the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg and announced by Brazil, which holds the presidency of BRICS in 2025.

    Evolution of BRICS:

    • 2001: The term “BRIC” was coined by Jim O’Neill, an economist at Goldman Sachs, in a report highlighting Brazil, Russia, India, and China as fast-growing economies.
    • 2006: BRIC leaders held their first meeting during the G8 Outreach Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia.
    • 2009: The first BRIC Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, to formalize the grouping.
    • 2010: South Africa joined, transforming BRIC into BRICS.
    • 2014 Fortaleza Declaration: The establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) marked significant steps toward financial collaboration.
    • Recent Expansion: In 2023 Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE joined, reflecting BRICS’ expanding influence in the Global South.
    • 2025: Indonesia officially joins.

    Significance of BRICS:

    • Economic Growth: Acts as a significant driver of global economic growth, contributing 24% of global GDP and over 16% of global trade.
    • Multipolar World Advocacy: Promotes a multipolar world order, challenging Western dominance in global governance.
    • South-South Cooperation: Strengthens collaboration among developing nations, addressing shared issues like poverty and climate change.
    • Alternative Financial Systems: Explores mechanisms like the New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) to reduce reliance on Western financial institutions and the US dollar.

    Challenges Faced by BRICS:

    • Diverging Interests: Members have differing priorities, such as India-China tensions and varying stances on global issues.
    • Economic Disparities: Wide differences in economic size and capacity, with China dominating BRICS GDP.
    • Institutional Weakness: Absence of a formal structure and binding agreements limits the bloc’s effectiveness.
    • Geopolitical Pressures: External challenges like Western sanctions on Russia and US-China tensions test BRICS’ cohesion and neutrality.

    PYQ:

    [2014]  With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements:

    1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.

    2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.

    Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • UNGA adopts 10-Year Action Plan for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)

    Why in the News?

    The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a 10-Year Action Plan for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), aiming to address their unique challenges.

    UNGA adopts 10-Year Action Plan for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)

    Key Targets of the 10-Year Action Plan for LLDCs (2024–2034):

    The Programme of Action for LLDCs aims to address their unique challenges through targeted actions across 5 priority areas:

    • Structural Transformation and Innovation:
      • Promote economic diversification and industrialization.
      • Advance science, technology, and innovation to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
    • Trade Facilitation and Regional Integration:
      • Simplify and enhance trade processes to improve access to global markets.
      • Strengthen participation in regional and global trade agreements.
      • Reduce trade costs through better policies and infrastructure.
    • Transit, Transport, and Connectivity:
      • Develop and modernize transit infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and ports.
      • Improve connectivity to reduce dependence on neighboring countries.
      • Enhance customs procedures to ensure smoother transit of goods.
    • Resilience to Climate Change and Disasters:
      • Build adaptive capacities to address vulnerabilities caused by climate change.
      • Develop strategies to reduce disaster risks and mitigate environmental challenges.
    • Means of Implementation:
      • Mobilize financial resources, technical assistance, and international support.
      • Foster partnerships among governments, international organizations, and private sectors.

    What Are Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)?

    • LLDCs are nations that lack access to a coastline and are surrounded by neighboring countries.
    • Currently, there are 32 LLDCs, primarily in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.
    • List of LLDCs:
      1. Africa: Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
      2. Asia: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
      3. Europe: Armenia, Azerbaijan, North Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia.
      4. South America: Bolivia, Paraguay.
    • Challenges Faced by LLDCs:
      • High Trade Costs: LLDCs face 1.4 times higher trade costs than coastal nations due to dependence on neighboring countries for transit and lengthy customs procedures.
      • Limited Market Access: Lack of direct access to global markets restricts their ability to compete internationally and increases transportation costs.
      • Infrastructure Deficits: Poor road, rail, and communication networks hinder connectivity and efficient trade operations.
      • Climate Vulnerability: LLDCs are highly susceptible to climate change impacts like droughts and floods, with limited resources to mitigate risks.
      • Economic and Political Dependence: Over-reliance on transit countries for trade routes leads to geopolitical challenges and limits economic diversification.
  • UN Internal Justice Council (IJC)

    Why in the News?

    Justice Madan B Lokur, retired judge of the Supreme Court of India, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC).

    Justice Lokur’s Legacy:

    • Justice Lokur served on the Supreme Court of India from June 2012 to December 2018, delivering landmark judgments across diverse areas of law.
    • In August 2019, he was appointed to the non-resident panel of the Supreme Court of Fiji and reappointed for another three-year term in January 2022.
    • His notable judgments include:
      • Electoral Disqualification on Religious Grounds (January 2017): Authored a concurring opinion in a seven-judge bench ruling disqualifying electoral candidates for seeking votes based on religion, race, caste, or other identity markers.
      • Raising the Age of Consent in Marriages (October 2017): Alongside Justice Deepak Gupta, ruled to raise the age of consent within marriages to 18 years, bolstering child protection laws.

    About UN Internal Justice Council (IJC):

    Establishment
      • Established in 2009 to reform and strengthen the UN’s internal justice system.
    • Ensures the system operates effectively, impartially, and transparently, addressing workplace disputes within the UN.
    Overview and Structural Mandate Mandate:

    • Safeguards the independence and integrity of the internal justice system.
    • The IJC is responsible for overseeing the administration of the UN’s internal justice system.
    • It supervises:
    1. Office of Staff Legal Assistance (OSLA)
    2. UN Dispute Tribunal (UNDT)
    3. UN Appeals Tribunal (UNAT)
    • Recommends measures to ensure judicial independence and efficiency in dispute resolution.

    Composition:

    • 5 members: 2 tribunal judges (from UNDT and UNAT), two staff representatives, and one external legal expert.
    • Chairperson is selected by consensus and appointed by the UN Secretary-General.
    • Members serve a four-year term, renewable once.
    Powers, Functions, and Jurisdiction Judicial Appointments:

    • Recommends candidates for UNDT and UNAT judge positions based on merit and judicial competence.
    • Proposes a shortlist for final selection by the Secretary-General.

    Oversight and Accountability:

    • Monitors tribunal functioning to ensure fairness and transparency.
    • Identifies and addresses systemic issues, proposing improvements.

    Judicial Independence:

    • Protects the impartiality of tribunal judges and safeguards judicial integrity.
    • Advocates for institutional protections against external influence.

    Advisory Role:

    • Provides expert advice on internal justice reform.
    • Evaluates tribunal processes to enhance efficiency and accessibility for UN staff.

    Scope of Jurisdiction:

    • Covers grievances related to administrative decisions, employment conditions, and workplace disputes brought forward by UN staff worldwide.
  • What is OPEC+?

    Why in the News?

    • With Donald Trump potentially returning to the White House, OPEC+ delegates express concern over higher US oil production.
      • His administration’s focus on deregulating the energy sector could lead to increased oil output, contributing to a further erosion of OPEC+’s market share.

    About ‘Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ Plus (OPEC+)

    What is OPEC+? Formation and Purpose:

    • OPEC+ is a coalition of OPEC members and non-OPEC oil-producing nations that work together to manage oil production and stabilize global oil prices.
    • The alliance was formed in 2016 in response to increasing oil production in the United States, particularly from shale oil, which led to falling oil prices.

    OPEC Members:

    • OPEC was founded in 1960 and includes 12 member countries:
      Algeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Venezuela.

    Non-OPEC Members in OPEC+:

    • OPEC+ includes 10 non-OPEC members:
      Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan, Sudan.

    Global Influence:

    OPEC+ countries together produce approximately 40% of the world’s crude oil and control about 80% of the world’s proven oil reserves.

    Factors are influencing OPEC+’s oil production cuts
    • Rising US oil production: The shale boom in the US has increased its market share, impacting OPEC+’s influence.
    • Global price stability: OPEC+ implements production cuts to prevent oil prices from falling too low.
    • Weak global demand: Extended cuts due to low demand, especially in major economies.
    Implications of OPEC+’s policies
    • Reduced market share: OPEC+’s global oil share dropped from 55% in 2016 to 48% in 2024.
    • Price volatility: OPEC+’s production cuts aim to stabilize prices, but increasing US production affects this goal.
    • Economic stability: Production cuts help sustain favorable prices for oil-producing economies.

     

    PYQ:

    [2009] Other than Venezuela, which one among the following from South America is a member of OPEC?

    (a) Argentina
    (b) Bolivia
    (c) Ecuador
    (d) Brazil

  • China is the world’s largest debt collector

    Why in the News?

    By the end of 2023, China emerged as the leading debt collector, holding over 25% of the world’s bilateral external debt.

    • Two decades ago, Japan, followed by Germany, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom, dominated global lending, with China rarely extending loans.

    What is China’s ‘Debt Trap Policy’?

    • China’s “Debt Trap Policy” (also known as the ‘slicing strategy’) refers to a strategy where it provides excessive loans to developing countries, often for large infrastructure projects, which these nations struggle to repay. This policy is primarily associated with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 
    • When countries default on their loans, they may be forced to cede control of critical assets to China, effectively creating a debt-for-equity swap.
      • Notable examples include Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port, which was leased to China for 99 years after the country failed to meet repayment obligations.

    Which countries have been affected by China’s debt trap policy?

    • Sri Lanka: Struggled with $8 billion in debt, leading to the leasing of the Hambantota port.
    • Pakistan: Owes approximately $22 billion, close to 60% of its bilateral debt.
    • Laos: Faces significant economic challenges with $6 billion owed to China, over 75% of its bilateral debt.
    • Angola: Owes $17 billion, about 58% of its external debt.
      These countries often find themselves in financial distress due to high interest rates and the burden of debt repayments consuming essential public resources.

    How are developing countries managing their debt to China?

    Developing countries are employing various strategies to manage their debts to China:

    • Debt Restructuring: Nations like Zambia are negotiating terms to restructure their debts in light of economic difficulties.
    • Attracting Investment: Countries are seeking new foreign investments or loans from other nations or institutions to alleviate their financial burdens.
    • Engaging in Bilateral Talks: Some nations are attempting to engage China in discussions aimed at debt forgiveness or more favourable repayment terms. However, China’s reluctance to forgive debt complicates these negotiations.

    What are the implications of this debt burden on regional and global geopolitics?

    The implications of China’s debt policies extend beyond economics into geopolitics:

    • Increased Influence: By becoming the largest creditor, China gains substantial leverage over debtor nations, potentially influencing their foreign policy and strategic decisions. This is particularly evident in South Asia and Africa, where countries may align more closely with Chinese interests due to their indebtedness.
    • Economic Dependency: Nations heavily reliant on Chinese loans risk becoming economically dependent on China, which can limit their sovereignty and decision-making capabilities. This dependency can also lead to geopolitical tensions with other powers, such as India or the United States.
    • Potential Instability: The growing debt burden could lead to financial crises in several nations, resulting in political instability. The inability of countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan to manage their debts raises concerns about broader regional stability and economic health.

    What are the challenges to India due to this policy?

    • Rising Chinese Influence and Strategic Risks: China’s lending practices are expanding its influence in South Asia, particularly in nations like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, undermining India’s role as a regional leader.
      • This includes control over strategic assets such as Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port and infrastructure under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the POK region, which poses direct security threats to India.
    • Geopolitical and Economic Competition: China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, coupled with favorable loan terms, challenges India’s investments and diplomatic efforts.
    • Regional Instability and Spillover Effects: Debt-driven economic instability in countries like Sri Lanka results in political unrest and humanitarian crises, which can spill over into India, necessitating responses to refugee inflows and potential destabilization in the region.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Regional Partnerships: India should enhance economic and strategic cooperation with neighbouring countries through competitive financing, capacity-building initiatives, and infrastructure projects under transparent terms to counter China’s influence and foster regional stability.
    • Promoting Multilateral Solutions: India can collaborate with global institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and Quad partners to offer alternative financial support.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • What is the UNSC Resolution 1701?

    Why in the News?

    Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire after 13 months of rising conflict, though it is linked to the UN Resolution 1701, which has not been fully implemented.

    About UNSC Resolution 1701:

    Details
    What is it?
    • Passed on August 11, 2006, following the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah.
    • Aimed to end hostilities, ensure the security of Israel and Lebanon, and establish long-term peace along the Israel-Lebanon border.
    • Also designed to prevent Hezbollah from using southern Lebanon as a base for military operations against Israel.
    Key Provisions and Objectives
    • Cessation of Hostilities: Aimed at halting the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.
    • Disarmament of Armed Groups: Called for the disarmament of Hezbollah and all other armed groups in Lebanon, leaving only the Lebanese state with weapons authority.
    • Israeli Withdrawal: Mandated Israel’s full withdrawal from southern Lebanon, which had been occupied since the 1982 Lebanon War.
    • Lebanese Forces Deployment: Directed the Lebanese government to deploy its army in southern Lebanon to ensure peace and prevent Hezbollah’s rearmament.
    • UNIFIL Deployment: Increased deployment of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to monitor the border and ensure compliance.
    • Arms Embargo: Imposed restrictions to prevent the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah.
    • Implementation of Taif Accords (1989): The resolution emphasizes the full implementation of this accord, which is critical for the disarmament of non-state actors in Lebanon and the consolidation of Lebanese state authority across the country.
    Implementation and Violations
    • Partial Implementation: While Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon, Hezbollah retained its weapons and continued its terror operations.
    • Lebanese Army Deployment: The Lebanese army was deployed in southern Lebanon but struggled to assert full control, as Hezbollah’s influence remained strong in the region.
    • UNIFIL’s Role: UNIFIL, while active, faced challenges in fully enforcing the provisions of the resolution due to Hezbollah’s continued presence and the complexities of local politics.
    • Violations: Despite the resolution’s provisions, violations have included Hezbollah’s stockpiling of weapons and cross-border skirmishes, as well as the failure to fully disarm all armed groups, undermining the resolution’s goals.
    • Taif Accords Violation: This has hindered the establishment of complete state sovereignty in Lebanon.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.

  • International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)

    Why in the News?

    • India is set to host the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Cooperative Conference in Delhi this month.
      • It will mark the first time in the 130-year history of ICA that the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference are being hosted in India.

    About the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA):

    Details
    About Established in 1895 to unite, represent, and serve cooperatives globally.
    • Represents 315 cooperative federations and organizations from 107 countries.
    • Estimated to represent about 1 billion individuals worldwide across various sectors like agriculture, banking, fisheries, health, housing, insurance, and more.
    • It has held consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1946, making it the first NGO to receive this status.
    Custodian of the internationally recognized definition, values, and principles of cooperatives. 
    Structure of ICA Governing Board: A 20-member board responsible for overseeing activities.
    General Assembly: Highest governing authority, with representatives from member organizations, convened at least annually.
    • ICA is divided into four regional organizations:

    1. ICA Asia-Pacific (New Delhi, India),
    2. ICA Africa (Nairobi, Kenya),
    3. Cooperatives Europe (Brussels, Belgium), and
    4. ICA Americas (San José, Costa Rica).

    8 sectoral organizations representing cooperatives in various sectors like agriculture, banking, fisheries, and more.
    5 thematic committees focused on cooperative development, economic sustainability, social responsibility, and advocacy.

    Powers and Functions of ICA Represents cooperatives in international forums, particularly within the United Nations and other multilateral organizations.
    Influences international policies related to social and economic development and sustainable cooperative businesses.
    Promote and define cooperative identity globally, ensuring cooperatives adhere to internationally recognized principles.
    Collects and publishes data about the cooperative sector via reports like the World Cooperative Monitor and ICA Global 300 index.
  • International Criminal Court (ICC)

    Why in the News?

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrant for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

    About the International Criminal Court (ICC)

    Details
    What is it? First international permanent court to prosecute individuals for serious international crimes.
    • Established under the Rome Statute (1998, w.e.f 2002).
    124 countries are States Parties to the Rome Statute.• Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands.
    Structural Mandate Official languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.
    Members: 124 States Parties to the Rome Statute; Palestine (2015) and Malaysia (2019) became the latest members.
    Notable non-members: India, Israel, the US, Russia, Ukraine, and China.
    Funding: By contributions from member states and voluntary contributions.
    Enforcement: Relies on state cooperation for enforcement, as it does not have its own police force.
    Composition   Judges: Consists of 18 judges elected by the Assembly of States Parties for a term of 9 years.
    Prosecutor: Leads the Office of the Prosecutor and investigates crimes.
    Additional Components: Includes the Trust Fund for Victims (2004), Detention Centre, and the Assembly of States Parties.
    Jurisdiction  Prosecutes 4 main crimes:    

    1. War Crimes: Violations of the laws of war.
    2. Crimes against Humanity: Acts like murder, enslavement, and torture.
    3. Genocide: Intent to destroy a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.
    4. Crimes of Aggression: Unjustified military action against another state.

    • ICC can only prosecute crimes committed after the Rome Statute’s entry into force (July 1, 2002).

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] “Rule of Law Index” is released by which of the following?

    1. Amnesty International
    2. International Court of Justice
    3. The Office of UN Commissioner for Human Rights
    4. World Justice Project