ICCBA President Addresses 23rd Session of the ASP

The President of the International Criminal Court Bar Association (ICCBA), Philippe Larochelle, delivered an address at the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) on 4 December 2024, emphasizing the critical need for equitable treatment and adequate resources for Defence and Victims’ Counsel at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Mr. Larochelle acknowledged the strong statements of support for the ICC heard during the ASP sessions but urged States Parties to turn these words into meaningful action.

Key Issues Raised:

• Disparities in Compensation: Counsel representing victims and accused earn significantly less than their prosecution counterparts, with pay gaps estimated at 20–40%.

• Inflation Adjustments Denied: Despite a modest request for a 3% increase to cover inflation (€150,000), this was rejected, leaving Counsel as the only actors at the ICC without inflation compensation.

• Barriers to Diversity: Uniform travel and accommodation allowances disregard geographical disparities, limiting the participation of Counsel from underrepresented regions.

• Taxation and Benefits Inequities: Counsel face unique taxation burdens and lack essential benefits such as health insurance, schooling allowances, and adequate relocation support.

  
  

Mr. Larochelle highlighted specific examples, including the case of Mr. Maxime Mokom, where no State Party facilitated his provisional release—a critical failure that undermines the Court's credibility. He also pointed to the persistent challenges faced by Legal Representatives for Victims, such as pro bono work during preliminary phases and restricted access to court resources.

Concluding his address, Mr. Larochelle called on States Parties to acknowledge and rectify these systemic issues, enabling Counsel to focus on their core mandate: ensuring fair representation for victims and accused persons.

"The Defence and Victims’ Counsel are integral to the ICC’s mission. Recognizing their contributions is not just a matter of fairness but a step toward a more effective and inclusive justice system," he stated.

The full speech is available to watch at 2h40m here.