ICC UPDATED REVISED VICTIMS STRATEGY ONLINE QUESTIONNAIRE

The present questionnaire is part of the ongoing consultations aimed at updating the Court's Revised Strategy in Relation to Victims.[1] The questions have been crafted based on the conceptual framework,[2] ensuring alignment with the identified key objectives.[3] In this vein, the questionnaire comprehensively addresses the following four main areas of interest, all stemming from these core objectives:

- Communication and Information to Victims[4]

- Victims’ Access to the Rome Statute System[5]

- Meaningful Participation and Representation[6]

- Effective Reparations and Assistance[7]

The questionnaire is designed to address the multifaceted needs and concerns of victims throughout all stages of the judicial process. It seeks to identify existing shortcomings and obstacles within the Court’s current approach to victims, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more comprehensive and supportive system for victims of crimes under the Rome Statute.

[1] Revised Strategy in Relation to Victims (2012), ICC-ASP-11-38-ENG.
[2] Concept Note on the Revised Victims Strategy Process.
[3] Objective 1: Incorporating Jurisprudential and Procedural Developments: Ensure the Updated Revised Strategy 2024 reflects changes in legal frameworks, procedural rules, and jurisprudence since 2012, including ASP resolutions and relevant developments in case law affecting victims' interactions with the Court.

Objective 2: Prioritizing a Victim-Centric Approach: Ensure that the Updated Revised Strategy 2024 prioritizes the needs and rights of victims throughout the judicial and administrative process, emphasizing principles of victim-centeredness, empowerment, dignity, and a trauma-responsive approach to address the diverse experiences, traumas and vulnerabilities of the affected communities.

Objective 3: Facilitating Organizational Collaboration: Foster collaboration and coordination among key Organs and Offices within the Rome Statute System, including but not limited to the Office of the Prosecutor (“OTP”), Trust Fund for Victims (“TFV”), Victims Participation and Reparations Section (“VPRS”), Office of the Public Counsel for Victims (“OPCV”), Public and Information Outreach Section (“PIOS”), and External Legal Representatives for Victims (“LRVs”), to ensure a holistic and consistent approach to victims' engagement across different stages of the judicial and administrative process.

Objective 4: Promoting Early Engagement and Intervention: promote early engagement in victim-related matters, to address gaps identified in the interaction between victims and the Court. Establish protocols and procedures for proactive out-reach, needs assessment, and support provision to victims from the outset of their interaction with the Court, including against the backdrop of the new legal aid policy, and facilitate organizational engagement to ensure comprehensive and timely assistance.

Objective 5: Ensuring Oversight and Alignment: ensure oversight and alignment with the Court’s Strategic Plan and the One Court principle as well as adherence to relevant recommendations and standards outlined in internal and external evaluations. Develop mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the Updated Revised Strategy 2024, promoting accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in the delivery of support to victims. Elicit systematic feedback from victims to gather strategic intelligence for forward looking improvements.
[4] Develop comprehensive strategies for early communication and information outreach to victims; ensure clarity, consistency, and transparency in victim interactions; increase collaboration between different Court offices handling victim matters; focus on a two-way dialogue approach with victims; explore the potential role of State Parties in reaching out to victim communities.
[5] Enhance field presence and support for community engagement; consider gender aspects and vulnerabilities in victim engagement; evaluate the role of intermediaries in facilitating victims' access to the Court; explore technology for improved data management and communication; standardize processes for victim participation and reparation proceedings; assess the role of the Trust Fund for Victims in supporting victims’ access to the Court, share psychosocial expertise between OTP and Registry.
[6] Review the process for selecting legal counsel for victims. Enhance early-stage engagement and representation of victims.
Provide capacity-building and support for Legal Representatives of Victims (LRVs).
Offer psychosocial training to LRVs and Court actors.
Evaluate the impact of the new legal aid policy by 2025.
[7] Manage expectations on reparations before final outcomes of criminal proceedings.
Ensure consistent principles in reparations according to the Rome Statute.
Incorporate standardized practices in the reparations phase by the end of 2025.
Streamline beneficiary identification and workflows within the Registry.
Discuss challenges in reparations implementation with the Trust Fund for Victims.
Explore partnerships and learning from other organizations in reparations projects.

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