Human Rights Watch Memorandum for the Seventh Session of the International Criminal Court Assembly of States Parties

November 2008

Introduction

I. Facing Up to External Challenges

A. Resisting political interference in the court's independence: Article 16 and Darfur

B. A court for Africa

C. Practical assistance and political support for arrests

II. Building an Effective and Credible Court

A. Reinforcing the "One Court" principle

B. Election of judges

C. Ensuring adequate resources and the court's independence

1. Overview of issues raised by the 2009 budget proposal

2. Institutional support for the defense

3. Outreach

4. Family visits

D. Establishing an independent oversight mechanism..

Recommendations in Summary