USLUGE SLUŽBI ZA POMOĆ ŽRTVAMA I SVEDOCIMA PRED MEĐUNARODNIM KRIVIČNIM SUDOM

Abstract

The commission of a large number of international crimes during armed conflicts entails mass victimization, and therefore a large number of victims and witnesses who participate in proceedings before international criminal courts. The great traumatic experience of these victims and witnesses, the fact that they have to testify in front of a court that is relocated in relation to the country of residence, as well as the fear of appearing before the court and possibly meeting the defendant, requires that the victims and witnesses who participate in the proceedings before the international criminal courts are provided with comprehensive protection, assistance and support. In this sense, special units for victims and witnesses have been established, which within the framework of international criminal courts provide victims and witnesses with a variety of services aimed at ensuring their protection, assistance and support. The paper specifically examines the normative arrangement of the Victims and Witnesses Unit within the International Criminal Court, as well as the practical implementation of the services that this Unit provides to victims and witnesses, starting with preparing their arrival at the seat of the Court, through the testimony itself, to ensuring their safe return to the country residence.