The International Criminal Court (ICC) and its States Parties are reforming the ICC’s Legal Aid Policy (LAP).

In a joint letter sent on 17 October 2023 to the Court and States, Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and REDRESS highlight key concerns and recommendations to make the LAP fair and effective for ICC victims and their counsel.

Our letter considers feedback from Legal Representatives of Victims (LRVs), who play an essential role in ensuring victims’ views and concerns are heard and their rights protected.

We set out recommendations around the three following key issues:

1. Ensuring Meaningful Participation During all Stages of the Proceedings;
2. Victims’ Right to Choice of Counsel and Appointment of External Legal Counsel; and
3. Ensuring the Court Adapts to Victims’ Interests, Not the Other Way Around.

Read more in the letter.