The International Criminal Court and Positive Complementarity. Legal and Institutional Framework

Doctoral Thesis / Dissertation from the year 2017 in the subject Law - Comparative Legal Systems, Comparative Law, grade: 1.0, University of Pretoria, language: English, abstract: This study seeks to establish how the legal and institutional framework for positive complementarity may be effectively implemented. It is argued that the existing legal and institutional framework in respect of the effective combatting of impunity is largely unsatisfactory. The evolution of the principle of complementarity, in the context of the Rome Statute, is explored with emphasis on the theoretical constraints on the principle which, in turn, raise practical challenges. The analysis provides a theoretical background to the conceptualisation of positive complementarity. The study traces the evolution and development of the concept of positive complementarity, examining its characteristic features and attributes, and the possibilities and opportunities the concept presents for the effective combatting of impunity. It examines the various scholarly arguments and propositions advanced to explain the concept of positive complementarity, and analyses the attendant challenges and limitations. It is noted that there is no fixed and universally acceptable definition of positive complementarity. It is therefore argued that there is a need for the establishment of a coherent legal and institutional framework for positive complementarity. In this light, appropriate policy alternatives and considerations both domestically and internationally, are considered. On the international level limitations characterising the current institutional framework of the Secretariat of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP Secretariat) are identified. It is argued that a fundamental restructuring of the ASP Secretariat is essential and measures to restructure the ASP Secretariat in order to reinforce its effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate on positive complementarity are identified. At the domestic level, the various aspects of implementing legislation are discussed. In conclusion, the establishment of an independent office to address positive complementarity and revitalise the institutional framework within the legal structures of the ASP Secretariat, is examined. The study envisages that the proposed institutional framework for the ASP Secretariat, if implemented, would effectively support the national jurisdictions of state parties in their implementation of the concept of positive complementarity. This, represents an unequivocally original contribution by this study to knowledge and research.

Dr. Milton Owuor, holds a doctorate in International criminal law. He is Member of International Law Association. He is the Founder Director of ICRJustice Center; Chair of the Expert Professorial Discourse Panel (ICRJustice Center at https://www.icrjustice.org/index.php/about-us/). He also lecturers in international law, international human rights law and constitutional law He was 'called to the Bar' to practice as an Advocate in 1995. He won the prestigious HHM Merit Prize for being the Best Law Student -academic year 1989/90. He has published widely within the realm of legal academia. His doctoral research entitled 'The International Criminal Court and Positive Complementarity: Legal and institutional framework' makes far reaching recommendations for the restructuring and reform of the secretariat of the Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court.