The International Criminal Court is an independent institution. The Court is not part of the United Nations, but it maintains a cooperative relationship with the U.N. Statute of the International Criminal Court and its Rules of Procedure and Evidence have the series of rights granted to victims. Under the Statute, victims have the possibility to present their views and observations before the Court. The victim-based provisions within the Statute helps victims to obtain some form of reparation for their suffering as and when appropriate. It is these balances between retributive and restorative justice that will enable the court, not only to bring criminals to justice but also to help the victims themselves obtain justice.
The Office of Public Counsel for Victims, established on September 19, 2005 seeks to ensure effective participation of victims in the proceedings before the Court by providing legal support and assistance to the legal representatives of victims and to victims.
