Over a hundred experts from various civil society organisations (CSOs) have discussed the recently published guidelines on documenting core international crimes, during a dedicated briefing, hosted by Eurojust. One of the main points of discussion was the role CSOs can play as first responders, for instance on taking first accounts from witnesses or victims and how to prevent over-documentation and re-traumatisation.
During a dedicated technical briefing, experts from both Eurojust, the Genocide Network Secretariat and the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) at the International Criminal Court (ICC) engaged in a dialogue with CSO representatives on the purpose of the guidelines and their practical use. Video statements on the guidelines by Eurojust President Mr Ladislav Hamran and Mr Karim A.A. Khan KC, ICC Prosecutor, are now available as well (see below).
The Genocide Network, Eurojust and OTP published the guidelines on 21 September to empower and support CSOs, which seek to collect and preserve information to contribute to investigations and prosecutions at national level or before the ICC. The guidelines aim to help fight impunity and were built on the expertise of Eurojust, the Genocide Network, the OTP, CSOs, prosecutors and international partners.
All participants agreed to continue discussions and collaboration on the further development and implementation of the guidelines.
Eurojust is an agency of the European Union