King to open new International Criminal Court complex in The Hague
On Tuesday 19 April 2016 His Majesty the King will officially open the new International Criminal Court (ICC) complex in The Hague.
The purpose of the ICC is to help prevent those guilty of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes from evading justice. The ICC is an independent international organisation and is not part of the United Nations system. It is recognised by 124 States Parties. Victims play a unique role at the International Criminal Court, having the right to participate in trials and claim damages.
The King will be welcomed by Sylvia Fernández de Gurmendi, President of the Court, and Sidiki Kaba, President of the Assembly of States Parties. The opening will be attended by the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Bert Koenders, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Fatou Bensouda and Convener of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court William R. Pace.
The permanent home of the ICC, located in the dunes between The Hague and the North Sea coast, can accommodate 1,200 staff. The complex consists of six towers that are linked at ground and first-floor level. The largest tower – the Court Tower – contains three courtrooms and a media centre. Visitors can access the public galleries of the courts from the publicly accessible areas on the ground floor, where there is also a visitor centre and café. The building has been designed and constructed to the highest standards of sustainability and respect for the natural environment.