Self-referrals as an indication of the inability of states to cope with non-state actors

Open Access
Authors
Publication date 2015
Host editors
  • C. Stahn
Book title The law and practice of the International Criminal Court
ISBN
  • 9780198705161
ISBN (electronic)
  • 9780191774287
Pages (from-to) 210-227
Publisher Oxford: Oxford University Press
Organisations
  • Faculty of Law (FdR) - Amsterdam Center for International Law (ACIL)
Abstract A number of the situations which are currently assessed by the International Criminal Court have been referred by the states on whose territory international crimes have been committed. These so-called ‘self-referrals’ have generally been criticized in legal literature. This article advocates a more positive reception. It argues that self-referrals should be taken seriously. The call on the ICC may be sincere and may reflect the predicament of weak states, incapable of countering violent non-state groups that engage in international crimes.
Document type Chapter
Language English
Published at https://doi.org/10.1093/law/9780198705161.003.0009
Downloads
479153 (Submitted manuscript)
473561911 (Final published version)
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