Ever wondered what’s inside the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands? This important court is always in the news, but what does it actually do, and what’s around it? Let’s break it down in a way even a 4th grader can understand!
What is the ICC?
The ICC is a special court that investigates and punishes people accused of the world’s most serious crimes, like: Genocide (trying to wipe out an entire group of people)
War crimes (hurting innocent people during wars)
Crimes against humanity (large-scale attacks on civilians)
Crimes of aggression (starting wars without reason)
It was created in 2002 and has 125 countries that support it through an agreement called the Rome Statute. The ICC is different from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which handles problems between countries, while the ICC deals with individuals who commit serious crimes.
What’s Inside the ICC?
Inside the ICC, there are: Courtrooms where judges listen to cases
Investigation rooms where experts gather evidence
Offices where lawyers and legal teams work
It’s like a real-life superhero headquarters, where people work to bring justice to victims of terrible crimes!
What’s Around the ICC?
The Hague is a beautiful city in the Netherlands with lots of history. If you visit, you’ll find: Museums with famous paintings
Old churches full of history
A Filipino restaurant for a taste of home
Bike-friendly streets for easy travel
Nearby Must-See Places
Kinderdijk Windmills – A UNESCO Heritage Site with iconic Dutch windmills
Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam – Home to the famous painter’s artwork
The ICC may be about serious justice, but The Hague is also a beautiful and exciting place to explore!
Would you like to visit The Hague one day? Let us know!