Advancing Justice, Accountability, and Peace in MENA


Creating pathways for young people to actively engage with the ICC and Coalition for the ICC (CICC) in addressing justice needs across the MENA region. This initiative focuses on fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and leadership opportunities for youth in international justice.


Fostering long-term collaborations with local NGOs and youth-led groups to build a resilient network for justice across the MENA region. We focus on sustainable partnerships that empower local communities, enhance resource-sharing, and drive collective efforts for global justice.


Youth-Led Organizations
Lawyers
Workshops
Events

Understanding MCICJ: Q&A
What are the Arab States that are Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC?
The Arab World is significantly underrepresented at the ICC, with only four of the 22 Arab countries as States Parties to the Rome Statute. These include Jordan, which joined in 2002; Comoros, which joined in 2006; Tunisia, which joined in 2011; and Palestine, which joined in 2015.
What is the mission of MCIJ?
MCIJ is a coalition dedicated to advancing justice and accountability in the MENA region by mobilizing civil society, particularly young leaders and organizations, to address issues related to human rights, legal reform, and impunity. Through partnerships with local and international actors, including the ICC, MCIJ aims to foster a region grounded in fair justice systems and respect for human rights.
What is the The Coalition for the ICC?
The Coalition for the ICC is a global civil society network of member organizations in 150 countries. the Coalition led the successful campaign to set up the International Criminal Court for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
How does MCIJ support youth engagement in justice?
MCICJ creates pathways for youth to participate actively in international and regional justice efforts. By offering training, workshops, and collaborative projects with networks and coalitions like the CICC, MCIJ empowers young people to become effective advocates and leaders within the justice system, contributing to justice and accountability.
How can individuals and organizations get involved with MCIJ?
Individuals and organizations can join MCIJ as members, partners, or volunteers. Opportunities include participating in events, workshops, and regional summits, as well as engaging in collaborative initiatives to foster justice and accountability. MCIJ welcomes those committed to advancing justice in the MENA region to contribute to its mission and initiatives. To join MCIJ, please fill out the form above.
What is the ICC - Assembly of States Parties?
The Assembly of States Parties (ASP) is the management oversight and legislative body of the International Criminal Court (ICC). It plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective functioning of the ICC and advancing its mandate to deliver justice for the most serious international crimes.
Composition and Representation
The ASP is composed of representatives from the States that have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. Each State Party appoints a representative, nominated by their Head of State, Head of Government, or Minister of Foreign Affairs, as outlined in Chapter IV of the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of States Parties.
Structure and Leadership
The ASP is led by a Bureau, which includes:
- A President,
- Two Vice Presidents,
- 18 members elected by the Assembly for a three-year term.
The Bureau reflects equitable geographic distribution and adequate representation of the world’s principal legal systems.
Functions and Responsibilities
The Assembly oversees critical aspects of the ICC’s operations, including:
- Adopting normative texts and the annual budget,
- Electing judges, the Prosecutor, and Deputy Prosecutor(s),
- Providing management oversight to ensure the Court operates effectively.
Additionally, during its second session in September 2003, the ASP established the ICC’s Permanent Secretariat to support its functions.
Decision-Making Process
Decisions in the ASP and its Bureau are made by consensus wherever possible. If consensus cannot be reached, decisions are made through a voting process, with each State Party having one vote, as specified in Article 112(7) of the Rome Statute.
The Assembly of States Parties is fundamental to the ICC’s governance, ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to its mission of addressing grave international crimes.
Why MCIJ?