In May this year, the International Criminal Court launched a more user-friendly website to improve communication and interaction with the public. In a radical departure from the previous ‘serious’ platform, the new website gives easy to read guides on how the Court works and communicate with its officials. The new website, is expected to demystify the work of the court.
On the website, victims will be able to apply to participate in proceeding through a lawyer, get information and guidance on application for assistance and reparations.
The other added section is the ICC multimedia exhibition, Justice Matters.
According to the Court, the exhibit uses portraits and videos to illustrate the daily happenings inside the ICC Courtroom and behind the scenes.
In addition to the online platform, the Court has invited interested members of the public to display the multi-media content in their countries.
“You can borrow our exhibit, in English and French, or print your own version,” says the Court.
One of the key elements of the exhibition package that is given on temporary loan is a virtual Court. “The exhibition first gives viewers an introduction to the Court and its mandate, as well as a short history of the Court’s first decade in the form of a 10-year timeline, and a panel featuring the Court’s headquarters in The Hague and presence in the field, in locations where investigations are being conducted,” says the Court.
The site also gives a chance to the public to write to the office of the prosecutor calling attention to situations in their countries in case of war and crimes against humanity.
The Court has also gone to great lengths to explain how it works in a publication titled Understanding the International Criminal Court with illustrations by a Sudanese artist and refugee.
The website’s homepage is also now available on mobile phone.
