International Criminal Court: Improving Accessibility and Victim Engagement at Hearings

International Criminal Court: Improving Accessibility and Victim Engagement at Hearings

With the confirmation of charges hearing against Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri in the Libya situation set for 19 May 2026 at the ICC, the Victims’ Rights Working Group (VRWG) — a network of 181 civil society organisations promoting the rights and interests of victims before the ICC— shares this briefing note to support a more accessible, inclusive, and trauma-responsive process.

For many attendees of the recent confirmation of charges hearing in the case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, held from 23 to 27 February 2026 – which included victims, families of victims, CSO representatives, and journalists – this was their first time attending an ICC hearing. Several participants reported uncertainty about the judicial proceedings as well as the rules in the Public Gallery. Some faced distressing experiences, including families of victims being told by ICC security that emotional reactions such as crying were not permitted, not knowing if they could leave the Public Gallery when they felt overwhelmed, and unexpected exposure to graphic images and testimonies.

“The process of listening and attending hearings is part of the healing process for victims and their families,” said Dr. Aurora Corazon Parong, co-chair of the Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC).

The recommendations draw on observations from Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing, which was widely attended by members of the Filipino community both at the ICC and at remote viewings in the Philippines. The objective of the recommendations is to offer the Court practical steps that can be implemented for the El Hishri hearing and future ICC proceedings.

Photo credit: ICC/CPI