{"id":77476,"date":"2026-05-11T17:15:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T15:15:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dignity.dk\/?p=77476"},"modified":"2026-05-11T17:15:42","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T15:15:42","slug":"icc-investigation-into-belarus-what-it-means-and-how-civil-society-can-support-accountability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dignity.dk\/en\/news\/icc-investigation-into-belarus-what-it-means-and-how-civil-society-can-support-accountability\/","title":{"rendered":"ICC investigation into Belarus: What it means and how civil society can support accountability"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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What is the significance of the OTP\u2019s decision to open an investigation into the Lithuania\/Belarus situation?<\/h3>

\u00bbThe decision confirms two key points. First, there is a reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity within the Court’s jurisdiction have been committed. Second, that potential cases arising from this situation would meet the admissibility threshold at this stage, given their gravity and the lack of relevant national investigations.
Crucially, the decision moves the process from a preliminary examination into a full investigation. The OTP can now actively collect evidence, interview witnesses, and build cases against those most responsible.
Under the Court’s legal framework, no one is formally beyond reach. This includes senior officials such as sitting heads of state and government\u00ab.

\u00bbAt the same time, the path to accountability is shaped by practical constraints. The ICC does not have its own police force and relies on States Parties to the Rome Statute to carry out arrests when individuals subject to an ICC arrest warrant are present on their territory. Non-States Parties, such a Belarus, are not under such an obligation. This dependence can delay proceedings and reflects a broader challenge in international justice: the gap between legal authority and political will\u00ab.

\u00bbThe scope of the investigation is also limited. Because Belarus is not a party to the Rome Statute, the Court’s jurisdiction applies only where part of the alleged crimes took place on Lithuanian territory\u2014for example, in cases involving deportation and persecution in the context of these deportations. The investigation covers conduct from 1 May 2020 onward, including ongoing and future acts. In this context, the OTP may look at coercive acts, including arbitrary arrests and detention, judicial proceedings lacking fairness and due process, physical and psychological ill-treatment, threats, intimidation, harassment, and any measures aimed at suppressing dissent that result in the forced removal or departure to Lithuania\u00ab.<\/p>

\u00bbOverall, the decision confirms that the alleged crimes are subject to international scrutiny and opens concrete avenues for accountability, including victim participation, possible arrest warrants, and the prospect of convictions and reparations\u00ab.<\/p>

How can civil society organisations most effectively support the Office of the Prosecutor during this phase of the investigation?<\/h3>

\u00bbOne of the most important contributions Civil society organisations can make is to share information with the OTP through the appropriate channels. Many organisations, such as the International Accountability Platform for Belarus, have already documented alleged crimes, collected testimonies, and compiled extensive open-source information. By sharing this material, they can help inform and support the OTP\u2019s investigative work and the development of future cases\u00ab.

\u00bbCivil society organisations also play a key role in connecting the ICC with potential witnesses. Because they often have longstanding relationships and trust within affected communities, they are frequently the first point of contact when individuals come forward. As such, they can support the OTP\u2019s access and outreach efforts, particularly by connecting affected communities and individuals with the OTP. They can also provide leads, including information on potential witnesses, perpetrators, or other relevant sources of information, and contribute to mapping patterns of victimisation and harm. They can further provide contextual information on the security, political, social, religious, and cultural context in which alleged crimes have occurred\u00ab. Moreover, CSOs on the ground may have access to information that would otherwise not be available to the OTP, should access to Belarus be limited.

In addition, Civil society organisations can support victims and witnesses by explaining how the ICC process works, including what to expect when participating as a victim or being called as a witness, and the support available through bodies such as the Victims and Witnesses Participation and Reparation Section and the Victims and Witnesses Unit, which are responsible for supporting them\u00ab. They can also refer them to individuals or organisations who can guide them through it.

\u00bbAt a broader level, Civil society organisations can also direct their efforts beyond the ICC investigation. This includes documenting alleged crimes that fall outside the Court’s jurisdiction and pursuing accountability through other channels, including national-level investigations under universal or extraterritorial jurisdiction, as well as international mechanisms. In doing so, they help strengthen the overall accountability framework and ensure that efforts toward justice continue on multiple fronts\u00ab.<\/p>

What are the main risks and ethical considerations for civil society organisations when supporting ICC investigations?<\/h3>

\u00bbSupporting an investigation before the ICC involves significant risks, particularly for victims, witnesses, and those documenting crimes. The opening of an investigation can increase security risks, including surveillance, intimidation, and retaliation against individuals who engage with the process\u00ab.

\u00bbA central ethical responsibility for civil society organisations is to ensure informed consent. Individuals must clearly understand how their information may be used and the associated risks. This includes the possibility of being called to testify and the limits of confidentiality at later stages. Consent must be voluntary, informed, and continuously reassessed\u00ab.

\u00bbClosely linked is the issue of witness protection. While the ICC’s Victims and Witnesses Unit provides support during pre-trial and trial proceedings, Civil society organisations play a critical role from the outset. This includes applying strict confidentiality standards, securely handling sensitive information, and sharing it only when necessary. Civil society organisations can also advise individuals on protecting their identity and communicating safely\u00ab.
\u00bbIncreased media attention presents an additional challenge. While visibility can support accountability, it can also expose individuals to harm or contribute to misinformation. Careful communication is therefore essential.
There is also a risk of re-traumatisation. Engagement with victims and witnesses should be trauma-informed and, where needed, supported by appropriate psychosocial care\u00ab.

\u00bbFinally, Civil society organisations must manage expectations. ICC investigations are complex and often take years, and outcomes such as arrests, convictions, and reparations are not guaranteed. Clear and honest communication is essential to maintain trust and avoid unintended harm\u00ab.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What is the significance of the OTP\u2019s decision to open an investigation into the Lithuania\/Belarus situation? \u00bbThe decision confirms two key points. First, there is a reasonable basis to believe that crimes against humanity within the Court’s jurisdiction have been committed. Second, that potential cases arising from this situation would meet the admissibility threshold at […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":77482,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-77476","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\nICC investigation into Belarus - DIGNITY - Danish Institute Against Torture<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Read Q&A: Senior Legal Advisor Adelaide Figueiras explains what this means and how civil society can contribute.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dignity.dk\/en\/news\/icc-investigation-into-belarus-what-it-means-and-how-civil-society-can-support-accountability\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"ICC investigation into Belarus - 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