In April 2013, a Panel of nine independent experts with extensive experience in processes involving large numbers of victims met in The Hague to consider challenges that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is currently facing in giving effect to the rights of victims to participate in the Court’s proceedings. The Panel was convened by Amnesty International and REDRESS who acted as a Secretariat for the Panel’s work. In July 2013, the Panel issued its final report setting out general observations and comments on the ICC’s current victim participation system, seven key principles that it recommends the ICC should apply in further developing the participation system and detailed recommendations for informing victims of their rights to participate; ensuring victims can apply to participate; processing applications; assigning legal representation; consulting victims and taking instructions; and keeping victims informed of the proceedings.
