Prosecutor: The first Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court was elected unanimously by the Assembly of States Parties on April 21. Luis Moreno Ocampo is best known for his successful prosecution of members of Argentina's military junta, including the conviction of former dictator General Galtieri in 1988. Since then, he has battled corruption in Latin America and has taught at leading U.S. law schools, including Stanford, Yale and Columbia. He is currently a professor at Harvard Law. Contrary to U.S. critics' fears of a "rogue prosecutor," Moreno Ocampo has extensive professional experience, international credibility, and good relations with the U.S.

Moreno Ocampo's nomination and election was the result of months of consultations among the ICC States Parties to find a single, consensus candidate. He will be sworn in at The Hague on June 16, 2003, and will assume his duties immediately. The Prosecutor serves a non-renewable nine-year term. Moreno Ocampo will have the difficult task of selecting the first cases to come before the Court while avoiding charges of political motivation.  In remarks before the Assembly, Moreno Ocampo declared, "We have to show how seriously we are working, and slowly people who today are reluctant will start to trust us."

Mr. Moreno Ocampo also explained that the Court's effectiveness must not be measured by the number of cases that reaches it or the content of its decisions. Rather, the absence of trials before the Court, due to the increased effectiveness of national institutions, would be its major success. 
+ READ MORE: FULL REMARKS

Committee on Budget and Finance: The Assembly also elected 10 of the 12 members of the Committee on Budget and Finance, including citizens of African, Asian, Western European, and Latin American countries; two members from Eastern European countries will be elected in September 2003.  The Committee will oversee the financial, budgetary and administrative operations of the Court.  Members are qualified experts in international finance.

Registrar: The Court's President, Philippe Kirsch of Canada, submitted the names of two candidates for the position of Registrar: Mr. Bruno Cathala of France and Mr. Bert Maan of the Netherlands.  From these two candidates, the ICC's 18 judges will elect the Registrar by an absolute majority through a secret ballot. The Registrar is charged with the administrative oversight of the Court and can serve up to two five-year terms.

Victims Trust Fund: By agreement of the Assembly, the nomination period for members of the Board of Directors of the Victims Trust Fund will open on April 28, 2003, and close on August 21, 2003. 
+ ABOUT THE VICTIMS TRUST FUND

Comments of Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo upon his election (April 22, 2003)    

Assembly of States Parties home

+ MORE ICC RESOURCES