All Rise: The high ambitions of the International Criminal Court and the harsh reality

The International Criminal Court is the crown jewel of The Hague, city of peace and justice. It is considered a beacon of hope, tasked to go after perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. It has the responsibility to deliver justice. The court is now fifteen years in existence. How has the ICC been doing?
In a vivid and gripping style, and with unique insights, the Dutch journalist Tjitske Lingsma tells the story of the ICC, that got started on 1 July 2002 and now has 124 member states. In thematic chapters she portrays its history, functioning, the work of the prosecutor, life in detention, and the precarious situation of witnesses and victims. Lingsma describes in five separate chapters the dramatic cases against suspects of international crimes in Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Ivory Coast and Libya.
But reality proves to be harsh. Despite all hopes, the ICC hasn't fulfilled its ambition. So far it has convicted four persons for international crimes, while cases against no fewer than nine suspects failed. (Another five suspects have been convicted for witness interference). The court, which has cost 1.5 billion euros by now, is damaged by government obstruction, intimidation of witnesses, its own failures and member states threatening to withdraw.
All Rise is the sobering account of a court that could not live up to its expectations. But as a relative young institution, the ICC should be given the benefit of the doubt. With its important task to bring justice, it is too valuable to fail.

Tjitske Lingsma is a senior freelance journalist based in The Netherlands specialising in international justice. She brings years of experience, including overseas assignments and war reporting. She contributed to a range of media: De Groene Amsterdammer, International Justice Tribune, Wordt Vervolgd, Trouw and VPRO radio