Disconnect: The International Criminal Court’s Engagement in the Situation in Bangladesh/Myanmar

Abstract

Abstract The International Criminal Court (icc) Registry’s reports on information and outreach activities concerning Bangladesh and Myanmar speak of two worlds. One, of a public affairs-focused managerial institution, and another of diverse priorities, insecurity, and complicated interactions among communities, organisations and states. To meet their aims and purposes, international criminal mechanisms must engage with other actors. Researchers have identified ‘lessons’ for conducting effective communications, including outreach, for information dissemination, building support, and conducting legitimate and safe trials. This article analyses documents and draws on limited interviews to explore how, despite these insights being represented in icc strategies, disconnection between the icc and interested actors in the pre-trial Bangladesh/Myanmar situation persists. It argues that the icc’s continued failure to integrate experiences or its own strategies for two-way communication undermines its ability to fulfil its purposes.