Many of the readers of our blog would be interested in a recently-launched important research tool, namely The International Crimes Database (ICD) website, hosted and maintained by the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague and supported by the Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice and the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism – The Hague. This database offers a comprehensive database on international crimes adjudicated by national, as well as international and internationalized courts.
In addition to case law on international crimes, the website incorporates general background information about international crimes, academic as well as news articles, working papers (ICD briefs) and relevant links to other useful databases/websites on this topic. It aims to be the starting point of a search in international crimes. Whether the information found in the end is downloaded from another site or database is of less importance.
In the coming years, the database will be expanded with more case law, a discussion forum, streaming and video presentations and a social media platform to facilitate and stimulate interaction by our various users.
The ICD will provide access to a range of information not just for lawyers and judges but also for students, academics, families and communities of victims of crimes, and others.
The cases are not selected based on their jurisprudential value. For the victims of a certain crime for example, that aspect is irrelevant. As a consequence, the ICD staff will try to include as many cases as possible that have a link with international crimes.
The aim is to become a leading and indispensable resource for users in developing a better understanding of international criminal law.
Interested third parties are most welcome to contribute to the development of this platform, the website and the database. For more information on how to become involved please visit the section on Feedback, cooperation and use of materials.
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