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PGA’s vision is to contribute to the creation of a Rules-Based International Order for a more equitable, safe, sustainable and democratic world.

13th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians on the International Criminal Court and the Rule of Law (CAP-ICC)

Hosted by the National Assembly of Pakistan, PGA's 45th Annual Forum and 13th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians on the International Criminal Court and the Rule of Law (CAP-ICC), was held in person on 28 and 29 October 2024.

On this occasion, we also presented the 2024 Defender of Democracy Award during a dedicated ceremony.

The CAP-ICC is the only high-level global gathering of political representatives from all regions, focused on developing strategies to strengthen international justice, prevent atrocities and ensure accountability for sustainable peace. Over the course of two days, parliamentarians from around the world will engage in open dialogue with their parliamentary peers, experts, academics, government officials, representatives of the International Criminal Court and international organizations on advancing domestic and international criminal justice, promoting the rule of law and human rights.

Furthermore, the CAP-ICC aims at furthering the progress of the universal ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), i.e., the only permanent international court mandated to investigate and prosecute the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole. The parliamentarians will thus have an opportunity to exchange on their experiences and best practices relating to the ratification and effective implementation of the Rome Statute, as well as associated obstacles and hurdles encountered in the process.

The challenges posed to multilateralism and the multiplication of conflicts force all stakeholders to increase efforts against impunity to fulfill the commitment of “never again.” Universal ratification and strengthening of the ICC are crucial to achieving this goal, particularly at a time when the Court faces a surge in threats to its independence, affecting its mandate as well as its very existence. The 13th CAP-ICC will therefore address the pivotal role that Parliamentarians play in this endeavor and explore the ways to support the ICC and its integrity through using parliamentarians’ legislative and political prerogatives.

Due to limited funding resources, we encourage you to explore alternative funding options through your respective parliaments and institutions or consider self-funding your participation. If you need assistance or have any questions regarding funding, please contact:

Ms. Olivia Houssais

International Law & Human Rights Program
Parliamentarians for Global Action

Map of Pakistan
Pakistan PGA National Group
Pakistan Coat of Arms

Day 1

Day 1 is centered on the structural framework of international criminal law, emphasizing the importance of achieving the Rome Statute's universality and domestic implementation. The panels examine the critical role parliamentarians play in adopting these legal frameworks and the ongoing challenges in safeguarding the independence and effectiveness of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This day allows parliamentarians to delve into the strategic dimension of expanding and strengthening the Rome Statute system. The sessions will highlight the role of national actors in upholding global justice and reinforcing the international rule of law to prevent any threat to peace, security, and the well-being of the world.

Opening Session

Welcoming Remarks








Group photograph








Special Session with Officials of the International Criminal Court








Panel 1

The Universality of the Rome Statute and expansion of the International Criminal Law Framework: Best practices, Lessons learned and the Role of Parliamentarians

12:00-13:05 Interventions from panelists
13:05-13:25 Open debate








Lunch Break








Panel 2

Regional Perspectives on the Rome Statute implementation: Understanding the variances in the adoption of the reforming national laws

14:35-15:20 Interventions from panelists
15:20- 15:45 Open Debate








Coffee Break








Panel 3

Safeguarding Global Justice through upholding the rule of law and the independence of the ICC

16:15-17:00 Interventions from panelists
17:00-17:25 Open Debate








Summary and Closing Remarks of Day 1 CAP-ICC








PGA Defender of Democracy Awards Ceremony

Hosted by the National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Day 2

Day 2 shifts the focus to practical cooperation and contemporary issues, emphasizing justice for international crimes, including gender-based crimes and ecocide. This day is solution-oriented, aiming to assess how international justice mechanisms can effectively tackle impunity and prepare for the future while reflecting on concrete actions parliamentarians can take to address the pressing challenges that the international community faces.
Key discussions will center around achieving justice for survivors and communities of victims, including the most marginalized ones, fostering cooperation among all relevant stakeholders, and laying a roadmap for future global engagement through the adoption of the "Islamabad Plan of Action for International Justice."

Panel 4

Effective cooperation in the fight against impunity for international crimes

09:30-10:25 Interventions by panelists
10:25-10:45 Open Debate








Panel 5

Pursuing justice for international sexual and gender-based crimes

10:45-11:40 Interventions by panelists
11:40-12:10 Open Debate








Lunch Break








Panel 6

Situation in Afghanistan: Navigating Justice, Human Rights, and International Accountability

13:40-14:35 Interventions by panelists
14:35-15:00 Open debate








Coffee Break








Panel 7

Future Opportunities for International Criminal Justice

15:30-16:35 Interventions by panelists
16:35-17:00 Open Debate








Summary of Day 2 of the CAP-ICC








Presentation, open debate, and eventual adoption of the Islamabad Plan of Global Action for International Justice








Closing Remarks