[Home] [Databases] [World Law] [Multidatabase Search] [Help] [Feedback]
	United Kingdom Statutory Instruments
You are here: BAILII >> Databases >> United Kingdom Statutory Instruments >> The International Criminal Court Act 2001 (Elements of Crimes) (No. 2) Regulations 2004 No. 3239 URL: http://www.bailii.org/uk/legis/num_reg/2004/20043239.html

[New search] [Help]

 -  As the elements of crimes focus on the conduct, consequences and circumstances associated with each crime, they are generally listed in that order;

 -  When required, a particular mental element is listed after the affected conduct, consequence or circumstance;

 -  Contextual circumstances are listed last.

     8. As used in the Elements of Crimes, the term "perpetrator" is neutral as to guilt or innocence. The elements, including the appropriate mental elements, apply, mutatis mutandis, to all those whose criminal responsibility may fall under articles 25 and 28 of the Statute.

     9. A particular conduct may constitute one or more crimes.

     10. The use of short titles for the crimes has no legal effect.

Article 6

Genocide


Introduction
With respect to the last element listed for each crime:

 -  The term "in the context of" would include the initial acts in an emerging pattern;

 -  The term "manifest" is an objective qualification;

 -  Notwithstanding the normal requirement for a mental element provided for in article 30, and recognising that knowledge of the circumstances will usually be addressed in proving genocidal intent, the appropriate requirement, if any, for a mental element regarding this circumstance will need to be decided by the Court on a case-by-case basis.

Article 6(a)


Genocide by killing


Elements
     1. The perpetrator killed[4] one or more persons.

     2. Such person or persons belonged to a particular national, ethnical, racial or religious group.

     3. The perpetrator intended to destroy, in whole or in part, that national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of a manifest pattern of similar conduct directed against that group or was conduct that could itself effect such destruction.

Article 6(b)


Genocide by causing serious bodily or mental harm


Elements
     1. The perpetrator caused serious bodily or mental harm to one or more persons.[5]

     2. Such person or persons belonged to a particular national, ethnical, racial or religious group.

     3. The perpetrator intended to destroy, in whole or in part, that national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of a manifest pattern of similar conduct directed against that group or was conduct that could itself effect such destruction.

Article 6(c)


Genocide by deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction


Elements
     1. The perpetrator inflicted certain conditions of life upon one or more persons.

     2. Such person or persons belonged to a particular national, ethnical, racial or religious group.

     3. The perpetrator intended to destroy, in whole or in part, that national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such.

     4. The conditions of life were calculated to bring about the physical destruction of that group, in whole or in part.[6]

     5. The conduct took place in the context of a manifest pattern of similar conduct directed against that group or was conduct that could itself effect such destruction.

Article 6(d)


Genocide by imposing measures intended to prevent births


Elements
     1. The perpetrator imposed certain measures upon one or more persons.

     2. Such person or persons belonged to a particular national, ethnical, racial or religious group.

     3. The perpetrator intended to destroy, in whole or in part, that national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such.

     4. The measures imposed were intended to prevent births within that group.

     5. The conduct took place in the context of a manifest pattern of similar conduct directed against that group or was conduct that could itself effect such destruction.

Article 6(e)


Genocide by forcibly transferring children


Elements
     1. The perpetrator forcibly transferred one or more persons.[7]

     2. Such person or persons belonged to a particular national, ethnical, racial or religious group.

     3. The perpetrator intended to destroy, in whole or in part, that national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such.

     4. The transfer was from that group to another group.

     5. The person or persons were under the age of 18 years.

     6. The perpetrator knew, or should have known, that the person or persons were under the age of 18 years.

     7. The conduct took place in the context of a manifest pattern of similar conduct directed against that group or was conduct that could itself effect such destruction.

Article 7


Crimes against humanity


Introduction
     1. Since article 7 pertains to international criminal law, its provisions, consistent with article 22, must be strictly construed, taking into account that crimes against humanity as defined in article 7 are among the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole, warrant and entail individual criminal responsibility, and require conduct which is impermissible under generally applicable international law, as recognised by the principal legal systems of the world.

     2. The last two elements for each crime against humanity describe the context in which the conduct must take place. These elements clarify the requisite participation in and knowledge of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population. However, the last element should not be interpreted as requiring proof that the perpetrator has knowledge of all characteristics of the attack or the precise details of the plan or policy of the State or organisation. In the case of an emerging widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population, the intent clause of the last element indicates that this mental element is satisfied if the perpetrator intended to further such an attack.

     3. "Attack directed against a civilian population" in these context elements is understood to mean a course of conduct involving the multiple commission of acts referred to in article 7, paragraph 1, of the Statute against any civilian population, pursuant to or in furtherance of a State or organisational policy to commit such attack. The acts need not constitute a military attack. It is understood that "policy to commit such attack" requires that the State or organisation actively promote or encourage such an attack against a civilian population.[8]

Article 7(1)(a)


Crime against humanity of murder


Elements
     1. The perpetrator killed[9] one or more persons.

     2. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     3. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(b)


Crime against humanity of extermination


Elements
     1. The perpetrator killed[10] one ore more persons, including by inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of part of a population.[11]

     2. The conduct constituted, or took place as part of,[12] a mass killing of members of a civilian population.

     3. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     4. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(c)


Crime against humanity of enslavement


Elements
     1. The perpetrator exercised any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership over one or more persons, such as by purchasing, selling, lending or bartering such a person or persons, or by imposing on them a similar deprivation of liberty.[13]

     2. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     3. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(d)


Crime against humanity of deportation or forcible transfer of population


Elements
     1. The perpetrator deported or forcibly[14] transferred,[15] without grounds permitted under international law, one or more persons to another State or location, by expulsion or other coercive acts.

     2. Such person or persons were lawfully present in the area from which they were so deported or transferred.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established the lawfulness of such presence.

     4. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     5. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(e)


Crime against humanity of imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty


Elements
     1. The perpetrator imprisoned one or more persons or otherwise severely deprived one or more persons of physical liberty.

     2. he gravity of the conduct was such that it was in violation of fundamental rules of international law.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established the gravity of the conduct.

     4. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     5. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(f)


Crime against humanity of torture[16]


Elements
     1. The perpetrator inflicted severe physical or mental pain or suffering upon one or more persons.

     2. Such person or persons were in the custody or under the control of the perpetrator.

     3. Such pain or suffering did not arise only from, and was not inherent in or incidental to, lawful sanctions.

     4. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     5. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(g)-1


Crime against humanity of rape


Elements
     1. The perpetrator invaded[17] the body of a person by conduct resulting in penetration, however slight, of any part of the body of the victim or of the perpetrator with a sexual organ, or of the anal or genital opening of the victim with any object or any other part of the body.

     2. The invasion was committed by force, or by threat of force or coercion, such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detection, psychological oppression or abuse of power, against such person or another person, or by taking advantage of a coercive environment, or the invasion was committed against a person incapable of giving genuine consent.[18]

     3. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     4. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(g)-2


Crime against humanity of sexual slavery[19]


Elements
     1. The perpetrator exercised any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership over one or more persons, such as by purchasing, selling, lending or bartering such a person or persons, or by imposing on them a similar deprivation of liberty.[20]

     2. The perpetrator caused such person or persons to engage in one or more acts of a sexual nature.

     3. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     4. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(g)-3


Crime against humanity of enforced prostitution


Elements
     1. The perpetrator caused one or more persons to engage in one or more acts of a sexual nature by force, or by threat of force or coercion, such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power, against such person or persons or another person, or by taking advantage of a coercive environment or such person's or persons' incapacity to give genuine consent.

     2. The perpetrator or another person obtained or expected to obtain pecuniary or other advantage in exchange for or in connection with the acts of a sexual nature.

     3. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     4. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(g)-4


Crime against humanity of forced pregnancy


Elements
     1. The perpetrator confined one or more women forcibly made pregnant, with the intent of affecting the ethnic composition of any population or carrying out other grave violations of international law.

     2. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     3. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack directed a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(g)-5


Crime against humanity of enforced sterilization


Elements
     1. The perpetrator deprived one or more persons of biological reproductive capacity.[21]

     2. The conduct was neither justified by the medical or hospital treatment of the person or persons concerned nor carried out with their genuine consent.[22]

     3. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     4. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(g)-6


Crime against humanity of sexual violence


Elements
     1. The perpetrator committed an act of a sexual nature against one or more persons or caused such person or persons to engage in an act of a sexual nature by force, or by threat of force or coercion, such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse or power, against such person or persons or another person, or by taking advantage of a coercive environment or such person's or persons' incapacity to give genuine consent.

     2. Such conduct was of a gravity comparable to the other offences in article 7, paragraph 1(g), of the Statute.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established the gravity of the conduct.

     4. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     5. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(h)


Crime against humanity of persecution


Elements
     1. The perpetrator severely deprived, contrary to international law,[23] one or more persons of fundamental rights.

     2. The perpetrator targeted such person or persons by reason of the identity of a group or collectivity or targeted the group or collectivity as such.

     3. Such targeting was based on political, racial, national, ethnic, cultural, religious, gender as defined in article 7, paragraph 3, of the Statute, or other grounds that are universally recognised as impermissible under international law.

     4. The conduct was committed in connection with any act referred to in article 7, paragraph 1, of the Statute or any crime within the jurisdiction of the Court.[24]

     5. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     6. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(i)


Crime against humanity of enforced disappearance of persons [25][26]


Elements
     1. The perpetrator:

(a) Arrested, detained [27][28] or abducted one or more persons; or

(b) Refused to acknowledge the arrest, detention or abduction, or to give information on the fate or whereabouts of such person or persons.

     2.

(a) Such arrest, detention or abduction was followed or accompanied by a refusal to acknowledge that deprivation of freedom or to give information on the fate or whereabouts of such person or persons; or

(b) Such refusal was preceded or accompanied by that deprivation of freedom.

     3. The perpetrator was aware that;[29]

(a) Such arrest, detention or abduction would be followed in the ordinary course of events by a refusal to acknowledge that deprivation of freedom or to give information on the fate or whereabouts of such person or persons;[30] or

(b) Such refusal was preceded or accompanied by that deprivation of freedom.

     4. Such arrest, detention or abduction was carried out by, or with the authorisation, support or acquiescence of, a State or a political organisation.

     5. Such refusal to acknowledge that deprivation of freedom or to give information on the fate or whereabouts of such person or persons was carried out by, or with the authorisation or support of, such State or political organisation.

     6. The perpetrator intended to remove such person or persons from the protection of the law for a prolonged period of time.

     7. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     8. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(j)


Crime against humanity of apartheid


Elements
     1. The perpetrator committed an inhumane act against one or more persons.

     2. Such act was an act referred to in article 7, paragraph 1, of the Statute, or was an act of a character similar to any of those acts.[31]

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established the character of the act.

     4. The conduct was committed in the context of an institutionalized regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group over any other racial group or groups.

     5. The perpetrator intended to maintain such regime by that conduct.

     6. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     7. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

Article 7(1)(k)


Crime against humanity of other inhumane acts


Elements
     1. The perpetrator inflicted great suffering, or serious injury to body or to mental or physical health, by means of an inhumane act.

     2. Such act was of a character similar to any other act referred to in article 7, paragraph 1, of the Statute.[32]

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established the character of the act.

     4. The conduct was committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

     5. The perpetrator knew that the conduct was part of or intended the conduct to be part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

Article 8


War crimes


Introduction
The elements for war crimes under article 8, paragraph 2 (c) and (e), are subject to the limitations addressed in article 8, paragraph 2(d) and (f), which are not elements of crimes.

The elements for war crimes under article 8, paragraph 2, of the Statute shall be interpreted within the established framework of the international law of armed conflict including, as appropriate, the international law of armed conflict applicable to armed conflict at sea.

With respect to the last two elements listed for each crime:

 -  There is no requirement for a legal evaluation by the perpetrator as to the existence of an armed conflict of its character as international or non-international;

 -  In that context there is no requirement for awareness by the perpetrator of the facts that established the character of the conflict as international or non-international;

 -  There is only a requirement for the awareness of the factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict that is implicit in the terms "took place in the context of and was associated with".

Article 8(2)(a)


Article 8(2)(a)(i)


War crime of wilful killing


Elements
     1. The perpetrator killed one or more persons.[33]

     2. Such person or persons were protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established that protected status.[34][35]

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.[36]

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(a)(ii)-1


War crime of torture


Elements[37]
     1. The perpetrator inflicted severe physical or mental pain or suffering upon one or more persons.

     2. The perpetrator inflicted the pain or suffering for such purposes as: obtaining information or a confession, punishment, intimidation or coercion or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind.

     3. Such person or persons were protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established that protected status.

     5. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     6. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(a)(ii)-2


War crime of inhuman treatment


Elements
     1. The perpetrator inflicted severe physical or mental pain or suffering upon one or more persons.

     2. Such person or persons were protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established that protected status.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict

Article 8(2)(a)(ii)-3


War crime of biological experiments


Elements
     1. The perpetrator subjected one or more persons to a particular biological experiment.

     2. The experiment seriously endangered the physical or mental health or integrity of such person or persons.

     3. The intent of the experiment was non-therapeutic and it was neither justified by medical reasons nor carried out in such person's or persons' interest.

     4. Such person or persons were protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established that protected status.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(a)(iii)


War crime of wilfully causing great suffering


Elements
     1. The perpetrator caused great physical or mental pain or suffering to, or serious injury to body or health of, one or more persons.

     2. Such person or persons were protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established that protected status.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(a)(iv)


War crime of destruction and appropriation of property


Elements
     1. The perpetrator destroyed or appropriated certain property.

     2. The destruction or appropriation was not justified by military necessity.

     3. The destruction or appropriation was extensive and carried out wantonly.

     4. Such property was protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established that protected status.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(a)(v)


War crime of compelling service in hostile forces


Elements
     1. The perpetrator coerced one or more persons, by act or threat, to take part in military operations against that person's own country or forces or otherwise serve in the forces of a hostile power.

     2. Such person or persons were protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established that protected status.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(a)(vi)


War crime of denying a fair trial


Elements
     1. The perpetrator deprived one or more persons of a fair and regular trial by denying judicial guarantees as defined, in particular, in the third and the fourth Geneva Conventions of 1949.

     2. Such person or persons were protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established that protected status.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(a)(vii)-1


War crime of unlawful deportation and transfer


Elements
     1. The perpetrator deported or transferred one or more persons to another State or to another location.

     2. Such person or persons were protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established that protected status.

     4. The conduct took placed in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(a)(vii)-2


War crime of unlawful confinement


Elements
     1. The perpetrator confined or continued to confine one or more persons to a certain location.

     2. Such person or persons were protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established that protected status.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(a)(viii)


War crime of taking hostages


Elements
     1. The perpetrator seized, detained or otherwise held hostage one or more persons.

     2. The perpetrator threatened to kill, injure or continue to detain such person or persons.

     3. The perpetrator intended to compel a State, an international organisation, a natural or legal person or a group of persons to act or refrain from acting as an explicit or implicit condition for the safety or the release of such person or persons.

     4. Such person or persons were protected under one or more of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established that protected status.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)


Article 8(2)(b)(i)


War crime of attacking civilians


Elements
     1. The perpetrator directed an attack.

     2. The object of the attack was a civilian population as such or individual civilians not taking direct part in hostilities.

     3. The perpetrator intended the civilian population as such or individual civilians not taking direct part in hostilities to be the object of the attack.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(ii)


War crime of attacking civilian objects


Elements
     1. The perpetrator directed an attack.

     2. The object of the attack was civilian objects, that is, objects which are not military objectives.

     3. The perpetrator intended such civilian objects to be the object of the attack.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(iii)


War crime of attacking personnel or objects involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission


Elements
     1. The perpetrator directed an attack.

     2. The object of the attack was personnel, installations, material, units or vehicles involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

     3. The perpetrator intended such personnel, installations, material, units or vehicles so involved to be the object of the attack.

     4. Such personnel, installations, material, units or vehicles were entitled to that protection given to civilians or civilian objects under the international law of armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established that protection.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(iv)


War crime of excessive incidental death, injury, or damage


Elements
     1. The perpetrator launched an attack.

     2. The attack was such that it would cause incidental death or injury to civilians or damage to civilian objects or widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment and that such death, injury or damage would be of such an extent as to be clearly excessive in relation to the concrete and direct overall military advantage anticipated.[38]

     3. The perpetrator knew that the attack would cause incidental death or injury to civilians or damage to civilian objects or widespread, long-term and severe damage to the natural environment and that such death, injury or damage would be of such an extent as to be clearly excessive in relation to the concrete and direct overall military advantage anticipated.[39]

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(v)


War crime of attacking undefended places[40]


Elements
     1. The perpetrator attacked one or more towns, villages, dwellings or buildings.

     2. Such towns, villages, dwellings or buildings were open for unresisted occupation.

     3. Such towns, villages, dwellings or buildings did not constitute military objectives.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(vi)


War crime of killing or wounding a person hors de combat .


Elements
     1. The perpetrator killed or injured one or more persons.

     2. Such person or persons were hors de combat.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established this status.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(vii)-1


War crime of improper use of a flag of truce


Elements
     1. The perpetrator used a flag of truce.

     2. The perpetrator made such use in order to feign an intention to negotiate when there was no such intention on the part of the perpetrator.

     3. The perpetrator knew or should have known of the prohibited nature of such use.[41]

     4. The conduct resulted in death or serious personal injury.

     5. The perpetrator knew that the conduct could result in death or serious personal injury.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(vii)-2


War crime of improper use of a flag, insignia or uniform of the hostile party


Elements
     1. The perpetrator used a flag, insignia or uniform of the hostile party.

     2. The perpetrator made such use in a manner prohibited under the international law of armed conflict while engaged in an attack.

     3. The perpetrator knew or should have known of the prohibited nature of such use.[42]

     4. The conduct resulted in death or serious personal injury.

     5. The perpetrator knew that the conduct could result in death or serious personal injury.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(vii)-3


War crime of improper use of a flag, insignia or uniform of the United Nations


Elements
     1. The perpetrator used a flag, insignia or uniform of the United Nations.

     2. The perpetrator made such use in a manner prohibited under the international law of armed conflict.

     3. The perpetrator knew of the prohibited nature of such use.[43]

     4. The conduct resulted in death or serious personal injury.

     5. The perpetrator knew that the conduct could result in death or serious personal injury.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(vii)-4


War crime of improper use of the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions


Elements
     1. The perpetrator used the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions.

     2. The perpetrator made such use for combatant purposes[44] in a manner prohibited under the international law of armed conflict.

     3. The perpetrator knew or should have known of the prohibited nature of such use.[45]

     4. The conduct resulted in death or serious personal injury.

     5. The perpetrator knew that the conduct could result in death or serious personal injury.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(viii)


The transfer, directly or indirectly, by the Occupying Power of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies, or the deportation or transfer of all or parts of the population of the occupied territory within or outside this territory


Elements
     1. The perpetrator:

(a) Transferred,[46] directly or indirectly, parts of its own population into the territory it occupies; or

(b) Deported or transferred all or parts of the population of the occupied territory within or outside this territory.

     2. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(ix)


War crime of attacking protected objects[47]


Elements
     1. The perpetrator directed an attack.

     2. The object of the attack was one or more buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science or charitable purposes, historic monuments, hospitals or places where the sick and wounded are collected, which were not military objectives.

     3. The perpetrator intended such building or buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science or charitable purposes, historic monuments, hospitals or places where the sick and wounded are collected, which were not military objectives, to be the object of the attack.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(x)-1


War crime of mutilation


Elements
     1. The perpetrator subjected one or more persons to mutilation, in particular by permanently disfiguring the person or persons, or by permanently disabling or removing an organ or appendage.

     2. The conduct caused death or seriously endangered the physical or mental health of such person or persons.

     3. The conduct was neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the person or persons concerned nor carried out in such person's or persons' interest.[48]

     4. Such person or persons were in the power of an adverse party.

     5. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     6. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(x)-2


War crime of medical or scientific experiments


Elements
     1. The perpetrator subjected one or more persons to a medical or scientific experiment.

     2. The experiment caused death or seriously endangered the physical or mental health or integrity of such person or persons.

     3. The conduct was neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of such person or persons concerned nor carried out in such person's or persons' interest.

     4. Such person or persons were in the power of an adverse party.

     5. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     6. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xi)


War crime of treacherously killing or wounding


Elements
     1. The perpetrator invited the confidence or belief of one or more persons that they were entitled to, or were obliged to accord, protection under rules of international law applicable in armed conflict.

     2. The perpetrator intended to betray that confidence or belief.

     3. The perpetrator killed or injured such person or persons.

     4. The perpetrator made use of that confidence or belief in killing or injuring such person or persons.

     5. Such person or persons belonged to an adverse party.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xii)


War crime of denying quarter


Elements
     1. The perpetrator declared or ordered that there shall be no survivors.

     2. Such declaration or order was given in order to threaten an adversary or to conduct hostilities on the basis that there shall be no survivors.

     3. The perpetrator was in a position of effective command or control over the subordinate forces to which the declaration or order was directed.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xiii)


War crime of destroying or seizing the enemy's property


Elements
     1. The perpetrator destroyed or seized certain property.

     2. Such property was property of a hostile party.

     3. Such property was protected from that destruction or seizure under the international law of armed conflict.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established the status of the property.

     5. The destruction or seizure was not justified by military necessity.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xiv)


War crime of depriving the nationals of the hostile power of rights or actions


Elements
     1. The perpetrator effected the abolition, suspension or termination of admissibility in a court of law of certain rights or actions.

     2. The abolition, suspension or termination was directed at the nationals of a hostile party.

     3. The perpetrator intended the abolition, suspension or termination to be directed at the nationals of a hostile party.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xv)


War crime of compelling participation in military operations


Elements
     1. The perpetrator coerced one or more persons by act or threat to take part in military operations against that person's own country or forces.

     2. Such person or persons were nationals of a hostile party.

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xvi)


War crime of pillaging


Elements
     1. The perpetrator appropriated certain property.

     2. The perpetrator intended to deprive the owner of the property and to appropriate it for private or personal use.[49]

     3. The appropriation was without the consent of the owner.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xvii)


War crime of employing poison or poisoned weapons


Elements
     1. The perpetrator employed a substance or a weapon that releases a substance as a result of its employment.

     2. The substance was such that it causes death or serious damage to health in the ordinary course of events, through its toxic properties.

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xviii)


War crime of employing prohibited gases, liquids, materials or devices


Elements
     1. The perpetrator employed a gas or other analogous substance or device.

     2. The gas, substance or device was such that it causes death or serious damage to health in the ordinary course of events, through its asphyxiating or toxic properties.[50]

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xix)


War crime of employing prohibited bullets


Elements
     1. The perpetrator employed certain bullets.

     2. The bullets were such that their use violates the international law of armed conflict because they expand or flatten easily in the human body.

     3. The perpetrator was aware that the nature of the bullets was such that their employment would uselessly aggravate suffering or the wounding effect.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of actual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xx)


War crime of employing weapons, projectiles or materials or methods of warfare listed in the Annex to the Statute


Elements
[Elements will have to be drafted once weapons, projectiles or material of methods of warfare have been included in an annex to the Statute.]

Article 8(2)(b)(xxi)


War crime of outrages upon personal dignity


Elements
     1. The perpetrator humiliated, degraded or otherwise violated the dignity of one or more persons.[51]

     2. The severity of the humiliation, degradation or other violation was of such degree as to be generally recognised as an outrage upon personal dignity.

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xxii)-1


War crime of rape


Elements
     1. The perpetrator invaded[52] the body of a person by conduct resulting in penetration, however slight, of any part of the body of the victim or of the perpetrator with a sexual organ, or of the anal or genital opening of the victim with any object or any other part of the body.

     2. The invasion was committed by force, or by threat of force or coercion, such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power, against such person or another person, or by taking advantage of a coercive environment, or the invasion was committed against a person incapable of giving genuine consent.[53]

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xxii)-2


War crime of sexual slavery[54]


Elements
     1. The perpetrator exercised any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership over one or more persons, such as by purchasing, selling, lending or bartering such a person or persons, or by imposing on them a similar deprivation of liberty.[55]

     2. The perpetrator caused such person or persons to engage in one or more acts of a sexual nature.

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xxii)-3


War crime of enforced prostitution


Elements
     1. The perpetrator caused one or more persons to engage in one or more acts of a sexual nature by force, or by threat of force or coercion, such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power, against such person or persons or another person, or by taking advantage of a coercive environment or such person's or persons' incapacity to give genuine consent.

     2. The perpetrator or another person obtained or expected to obtain pecuniary or other advantage in exchange for or in connection with the acts of a sexual nature.

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xxii)-4


War crime of forced pregnancy


Elements
     1. The perpetrator confined one ore more women forcibly made pregnant, with the intent of affecting the ethnic composition of any population or carrying out other grave violations of international law.

     2. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xxii)-5


War crime of enforced sterilisation


Elements
     1. The perpetrator deprived one or more persons of biological reproductive capacity.[56]

     2. The conduct was neither justified by the medical or hospital treatment of the person or persons concerned nor carried out with their genuine consent.[57]

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xxii)-6


War crime of sexual violence


Elements
     1. The perpetrator committed an act of a sexual nature against one or more persons or caused such person or persons to engage in an act of sexual nature by force, or by threat of force or coercion, such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power, against such person or persons or another person, or by taking advantage of a coercive environment or such person's or persons' incapacity to give genuine consent.

     2. The conduct was of a gravity comparable to that of a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established the gravity of the conduct.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xxiii)


War crime of using protected persons as shields


Elements
     1. The perpetrator moved or otherwise took advantage of the location of one or more civilians or other persons protected under the international law of armed conflict.

     2. The perpetrator intended to shield a military objective from attack or shield, favour or impede military operations.

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xxiv)


War crime of attacking objects or persons using the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions


Elements
     1. The perpetrator attacked one or more persons, buildings, medical units or transports or other objects using, in conformity with international law, a distinctive emblem or other method of identification indicating protection under the Geneva Conventions.

     2. The perpetrator intended such persons, buildings, units or transports or other objects so using such identification to be the object of the attack.

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xxv)


War crime of starvation as a method of warfare


Elements
     1. The perpetrator deprived civilians of objects indispensable to their survival.

     2. The perpetrator intended to starve civilians as a method of warfare.

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(b)(xxvi)


War crime of using, conscripting or enlisting children


Elements
     1. The perpetrator conscripted or enlisted one or more persons into the national armed forces or used one or more persons to participate actively in hostilities.

     2. Such person or persons were under the age of 15 years.

     3. The perpetrator knew or should have known that such person or persons were under the age of 15 years.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an international armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(c)


Article 8(2)(c)(i)-1


War crime of murder


Elements
     1. The perpetrator killed one or more persons.

     2. Such person or persons were either hors de combat, or were civilians, medical personnel, or religious personnel[58] taking no active part in the hostilities.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established this status.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(c)(i)-2


War crime of mutilation


Elements
     1. The perpetrator subjected one or more persons to mutilation, in particular by permanently disfiguring the person or persons, or by permanently disabling or removing an organ or appendage.

     2. The conduct was neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the person or persons concerned nor carried out in such person's or persons' interests.

     3. Such person or persons were either hors de combat, or were civilians, medical personnel or religious personnel taking no active part in the hostilities.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established this status.

     5. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     6. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(c)(i)-3


War crime of cruel treatment


Elements
     1. The perpetrator inflicted severe physical or mental pain or suffering upon one or more persons.

     2. Such person or persons were either hors de combat, or were civilians, medical personnel, or religious personnel taking no active part in the hostilities.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established this status.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(c)(i)-4


War crime of torture


Elements
     1. The perpetrator inflicted severe physical or mental pain or suffering upon one or more persons.

     2. The perpetrator inflicted the pain or suffering for such purposes as: obtaining information or a confession, punishment, intimidation or coercion or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind.

     3. Such person or persons were either hors de combat, or were civilians, medical personnel or religious personnel taking no active part in the hostilities.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established this status.

     5. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     6. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(c)(ii)


War crime of outrages upon personal dignity


Elements
     1. The perpetrator humiliated, degraded or otherwise violated the dignity of one or more persons.[59]

     2. The severity of the humiliation, degradation or other violation was of such degree as to be generally recognised as an outrage upon personal dignity.

     3. Such person or persons were either hors de combat, or were civilians, medical personnel or religious personnel taking no active part in the hostilities.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established this status.

     5. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     6. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(c)(iii)


War crime of taking hostages


Elements
     1. The perpetrator seized, detained or otherwise held hostage one or more persons.

     2. The perpetrator threatened to kill, injure or continue to detain such person or persons.

     3. The perpetrator intended to compel a State, an international organisation, a natural or legal person or a group of persons to act or refrain from acting as an explicit or implicit condition for the safety or the release of such person or persons.

     4. Such person or persons were either hors de combat, or were civilians, medical personnel or religious personnel taking no active part in the hostilities.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established this status.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(c)(iv)


War crime of sentencing or execution without due process


Elements
     1. The perpetrator passed sentence or executed one or more persons.[60]

     2. Such person or persons were either hors de combat, or were civilians, medical personnel or religious personnel taking no active part in the hostilities.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established this status.

     4. There was no previous judgement pronounced by a court, or the court that rendered judgement was not "regularly constituted", that is, it did not afford the essential guarantees or independence and impartiality, or the court that rendered judgement did not afford all other judicial guarantees generally recognised as indispensable under international law.[61]

     5. The perpetrator was aware of the absence of a previous judgement or of the denial of relevant guarantees and the fact that they are essential or indispensable to a fair trial.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)


Article 8(2)(e)(i)


War crime of attacking civilians


Elements
     1. The perpetrator directed an attack.

     2. The object of the attack was a civilian population as such or individual civilians not taking direct part in hostilities.

     3. The perpetrator intended the civilian population as such or individual civilians not taking direct part in hostilities to be the object of the attack.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(ii)


War crime of attacking objects or persons using the distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions


Elements
     1. The perpetrator attacked one or more persons, buildings, medical units or transports or other objects using, in conformity with international law, a distinctive emblem or other method of identification indicating protection under the Geneva Conventions.

     2. The perpetrator intended such persons, buildings, units or transports or other object so using such identification to be the object of the attack.

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(iii)


War crime of attacking personnel or objects involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission


Elements
     1. The perpetrator directed an attack.

     2. The object of the attack was personnel, installations, material, units or vehicles involved in a humanitarian assistance or peacekeeping mission in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

     3. The perpetrator intended such personnel, installations, material, units or vehicles so involved to be the object of the attack.

     4. Such personnel, installations, material, units or vehicles were entitled to that protection given to civilians or civilian objects under the international law of armed conflict.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established that protection.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(iv)


War crime of attacking protected objects[62]


Elements
     1. The perpetrator directed an attack.

     2. The object of the attack was one or more buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science or charitable purposes, historic monuments, hospitals or places where the sick and wounded are collected, which were not military objectives.

     3. The perpetrator intended such building or buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science or charitable purposes, historic monuments, hospitals or places where the sick and wounded are collected, which were not military objectives, to be the object of the attack.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(v)


War crime of pillaging


Elements
     1. The perpetrator appropriated certain property.

     2. The perpetrator intended to deprive the owner of the property and to appropriate it for private or personal use.[63]

     3. The appropriation was without the consent of the owner.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(vi)-1


War crime of rape


Elements
     1. The perpetrator invaded[64] the body of a person by conduct resulting in penetration, however slight, of any part of the body of the victim or of the perpetrator with a sexual organ, or of the anal or genital opening of the victim with any object or any other part of the body.

     2. The invasion was committed by force, or by threat of force or coercion, such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power, against such person or another person, or by taking advantage of a coercive environment, or the invasion was committed against a person incapable of giving genuine consent.[65]

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(vi)-2


War crime of sexual slavery[66]


Elements
     1. The perpetrator exercised any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership over one or more persons, such as by purchasing, selling, lending or bartering such a person or persons, or by imposing on them a similar deprivation of liberty.[67]

     2. The perpetrator caused such person or persons to engage in one or more acts of a sexual nature.

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(vi)-3


War crime of enforced prostitution


Elements
     1. The perpetrator caused one or more persons to engage in one or more acts of a sexual nature by force, or by threat of force or coercion, such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power, against such person or persons or another person, or by taking advantage of a coercive environment or such person's or persons' incapacity to give genuine consent.

     2. The perpetrator or another person obtained or expected to obtain pecuniary or other advantage in exchange for or in connection with the acts of a sexual nature.

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(vi)-4


War crime of forced pregnancy


Elements
     1. The perpetrator confined one or more women forcibly made pregnant, with the intent of affecting the ethnic composition of any population or carrying out other grave violations of international law.

     2. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(vi)-5


War crime of enforced sterilization


Elements
     1. The perpetrator deprived one or more persons of biological reproductive capacity.[68]

     2. The conduct was neither justified by the medical or hospital treatment of the person or persons concerned nor carried out with their genuine consent.[69]

     3. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(vi)-6


War crime of sexual violence


Elements
     1. The perpetrator committed an act of a sexual nature against one or more persons or caused such person or persons to engage in an act of a sexual nature by force, or by threat of force or coercion, such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power, against such person or persons or another person, or by taking advantage of a coercive environment or such person's or persons' incapacity to give genuine consent.

     2. The conduct was of a gravity comparable to that of a serious violation of article 3 common to the four Geneva Conventions.

     3. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established the gravity of the conduct.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(vii)


War crime of using, conscripting and enlisting children


Elements
     1. The perpetrator conscripted or enlisted one or more persons into an armed force or group or used one or more persons to participate actively in hostilities.

     2. Such person or persons were under the age of 15 years.

     3. The perpetrator knew or should have known that such person or persons were under the age of 15 years.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(viii)


War crime of displacing civilians


Elements
     1. The perpetrator ordered a displacement of a civilian population.

     2. Such order was not justified by the security of the civilians involved or by military necessity.

     3. The perpetrator was in a position to effect such displacement by giving such order.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(ix)


War crime of treacherously killing or wounding


Elements
     1. The perpetrator invited the confidence or belief of one or more combatant adversaries that they were entitled to, or were obliged to accord, protection under rules of international law applicable in armed conflict.

     2. The perpetrator intended to betray that confidence or belief.

     3. The perpetrator killed or injured such person or persons.

     4. The perpetrator made use of that confidence or belief in killing or injuring such person or persons.

     5. Such person or persons belonged to an adverse party.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(x)


War crime of denying quarter


Elements
     1. The perpetrator declared or ordered that there shall be no survivors.

     2. Such declaration or order was given in order to threaten an adversary or to conduct hostilities on the basis that there shall be no survivors.

     3. The perpetrator was in a position of effective command or control over the subordinate forces to which the declaration or order was directed.

     4. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     5. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(xi)-1


War crime of mutilation


Elements
     1. The perpetrator subjected one or more persons to mutilation, in particular by permanently disfiguring the person or persons, or by permanently disabling or removing an organ or appendage.

     2. The conduct caused death or seriously endangered the physical or mental health of such person or persons.

     3. The conduct was neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the person or persons concerned nor carried out in such person's or persons' interest.[70]

     4. Such person or persons were in the power of another party to the conflict.

     5. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     6. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(xi)-2


War crime of medical or scientific experiments


Elements
     1. The perpetrator subjected one or more persons to a medical or scientific experiment.

     2. The experiment caused the death or seriously endangered the physical or mental health or integrity of such person or persons.

     3. The conduct was neither justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of such person or persons concerned nor carried out in such person's or persons' interest.

     4. Such person or persons were in the power of another party to the conflict.

     5. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     6. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

Article 8(2)(e)(xii)


War crime of destroying or seizing the enemy's property


Elements
     1. The perpetrator destroyed or seized certain property.

     2. Such property was property of an adversary.

     3. Such property was protected from that destruction or seizure under the international law of armed conflict.

     4. The perpetrator was aware of the factual circumstances that established the status of the property.

     5. The destruction or seizure was not required by military necessity.

     6. The conduct took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict not of an international character.

     7. The perpetrator was aware of factual circumstances that established the existence of an armed conflict.

[2] S.I. 2004/1080.back

[3] This paragraph is without prejudice to the obligation of the Prosecutor under article 54, paragraph 1, of the Statute.back

[4] The term "killed" is interchangeable with the term "caused death".back

[5] This conduct may include, but is not necessarily restricted to, acts of torture, rape, sexual violence or inhuman or degrading treatment.back

[6] The term "conditions of life" may include, but is not necessarily restricted to, deliberate deprivation of resources indispensable for survival, such as food or medical services, or systematic expulsion from homes.back

[7] The term "forcibly" is not restricted to physical force, but may include threat of force or coercion, such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power, against such person or persons or another person, or by taking advantage of a coercive environment.back

[8] A policy which has a civilian population as the object of the attack would be implemented by State or organisation action. Such a policy may, in exceptional circumstances, be implemented by a deliberate failure to take action, which is consciously aimed at encouraging such attack. The existence of such a policy cannot be inferred solely from the absence of governmental or organisational action.back

[9] The term "killed" is interchangeable with the term "caused death". This footnote applies to all elements which use either of these concepts.back

[10] The conduct could be committed by different methods of killing, either directly or indirectly.back

[11] The infliction of such conditions could include the deprivation of access to food and medicine.back

[12] The term "as part of" would include the initial conduct in a mass killing.back

[13] It is understood that such deprivation of liberty may, in some circumstances, include exacting forced labour or otherwise reducing a person to a servile status as defined in the Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery of 1956. It is also understood that the conduct described in this element includes trafficking in persons, in particular women and children.back

[14] The term "forcibly" is not restricted to physical force, but may include threat of force or coercion, such as that caused by fear of violence, duress, detention, psychological oppression or abuse of power against such person or persons or another person, or by taking advantage of a coercive environment.back

[15] "Deported or forcibly transferred" is interchangeable with "forcibly displaced".back

[16] It is understood that no specific purpose need be proved for this crime.back

[17] The concept of "invasion" is intended to be broad enough to be gender-neutral.back

[18] It is understood that a person may be incapable of giving genuine consent if affected by natural, induced or age-related incapacity. This footnote also applies to the corresponding elements of article 7(1)(g)-3, 5 and 6.back

[19] Given the complex nature of this crime, it is recognised that its commission could involve more than one perpetrator as a part of a common criminal purpose.back

[20] It is understood that such deprivation of liberty may, in some circumstances, include exacting forced labour or otherwise reducing a person to a servile status as defined in the Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery of 1956. It is also understood that the conduct described in this element includes trafficking in persons, in particular women and children.back

[21] he deprivation is not intended to include birth-control measures which have a non-permanent effect in practice.back

[22] It is understood that "genuine consent" does not include consent obtained through deception.back

[23] This requirement is without prejudice to paragraph 6 of the General Introduction to the Elements of Crimes.back

[24] It is understood that no additional mental element is necessary for this element other than that inherent in element 6.back

[25] Given the complex nature of this crime, it is recognised that its commission will normally involve more than one perpetrator as a part of a common criminal purpose.back

[26] This crime falls under the jurisdiction of the Court only if the attack referred to in elements 7 and 8 occurs after the entry into force of the Statute.back

[27] The word "detained" would include a perpetrator who maintained an existing detention.back

[28] It is understood that under certain circumstances an arrest or detention may have been lawful.back

[29] This element, inserted because of the complexity of this crime, is without prejudice to the General Introduction to the Elements of Crimes.back

[30] It is understood that, in the case of a perpetrator who maintained an existing detention, this element would be satisfied if the perpetrator was aware that such a refusal had already taken place.back

[31] It is understood that "character" refers to the nature and gravity of the act.back

[32] It is understood that "character" refers to the nature and gravity of the act.back

[33] The term "killed" is interchangeable with the term "caused death". This footnote applies to all elements which use either of these concepts.back

[34] This mental element recognises the interplay between articles 30 and 32. This footnote also applies to the corresponding element in each crime under article 8(2)(a), and to the element in other crimes in article 8(2) concerning the awareness of factual circumstances that establish the status of persons or property protected under the relevant international law of armed conflict.back

[35] With respect to nationality, it is understood that the perpetrator needs only to know that the victim belonged to an adverse party to the conflict. This footnote also applies to the corresponding element in each crime under article 8(2)(a).back

[36] The term "international armed conflict" includes military occupation. This footnote also applies to the corresponding element in each crime under article 8(2)(a).back

[37] As element 3 requires that all victims must be "protected persons" under one or more of the Geneva Conventions of 1949, these elements do not include the custody or control requirement found in the elements of article 7(1)(e).back

[38] The expression "concrete and direct overall military advantage" refers to a military advantage that is foreseeable by the perpetrator at the relevant time. Such advantage may or may not be temporally or geographically related to the object of the attack. The fact that this crime admits the possibility of lawful incidental injury and collateral damage does not in any way justify any violation of the law applicable in armed conflict. It does not address justification for war or other rules related to jus ad bellum. It reflects the proportionality requirement inherent in determining the legality of any military activity undertaken in the context of an armed conflict.back

[39] As opposed to the general rule set forth in paragraph 4 of the General Introduction, this knowledge element requires that the perpetrator make the value judgement as described therein. An evaluation of that value judgement must be based on the requisite information available to the perpetrator at the time.back

[40] The presence in the locality of persons specially protected under the Geneva Conventions of 1949 or of police forces retained for the sole purpose of maintaining law and order does not by itself render the locality a military objective.back

[41] This mental element recognises the interplay between article 30 and article 32. The term "prohibited nature" denotes illegality.back

[42] This mental element recognises the interplay between article 30 and article 32. The term "prohibited nature" denotes illegality.back

[43] This mental element recognises the interplay between article 30 and article 32. The "should have known" test required in the other offences found in article 8(2)(b)(vii) is not applicable here because of the variable and regulatory nature of the relevant prohibitions.back

[44] "Combatant purposes" in these circumstances means purposes directly related to hostilities and not including medical, religious or similar activities.back

[45] This mental element recognises the interplay between article 30 and article 32. The term "prohibited nature" denotes illegality.back

[46] The term "transfer" needs to be interpreted in accordance with the relevant provisions of international humanitarian law.back

[47] The presence in the locality of persons specially protected under the Geneva Conventions of 1949 or of police forces retained for the sole purpose of maintaining law and order does not by itself render the locality a military objective.back

[48] Consent is not a defence to this crime. The crime prohibits any medical procedure which is not indicated by the state of health of the person concerned and which is not consistent with generally accepted medical standards which would be applied under similar medical circumstances to persons who are nationals of the party conducting the procedure and who are in no way deprived of liberty. This footnote also applies to the same element for article 8(2)(b)(x)-2.back

[49] As indicated by the use of the term "private or personal use", appropriations justified by military necessity cannot constitute the crime of pillaging.back

[50] Nothing in this element shall be interpreted as limiting or prejudicing in any way existing or developing rules of international law with respect to the development, production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons.back

[51] For this crime, "persons" can include dead persons. It is understood that the victim need not personally be aware of the existence of the humiliation or degradation or other violation. This element takes into account relevant aspects of the cultural background of the victim.back

[52] The concept of "invasion" is intended to be broad enough to be gender-neutral.back

[53] It is understood that a person may be incapable of giving genuine consent if affected by natural, induced or age-related incapacity. This footnote also applies to the corresponding elements of article 8(2)(b)(xxii)-3, 5 and 6.back

[54] Given the complex nature of this crime, it is recognised that its commission could involve more than one perpetrator as a part of a common criminal purpose.back

[55] It is understood that such deprivation of liberty may, in some circumstances, include exacting forced labour or otherwise reducing a person to servile status as defined in the Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery of 1956. It is also understood that the conduct described in this element includes trafficking in persons, in particular women and children.back

[56] The deprivation is not intended to include birth-control measures which have a non-permanent effect in practice.back

[57] It is understood that "genuine consent" does not include consent obtained through deception.back

[58] The term "religious personnel" includes those non-confessional non-combatant military personnel carrying out a similar function.back

[59] For this crime, "persons" can include dead persons. It is understood that the victim need not personally be aware of the existence of the humiliation or degradation or other violation. This element takes into account relevant aspects of the cultural background of the victim.back

[60] The elements laid down in these documents do not address the different forms of individual criminal responsibility, as enunciated in articles 25 and 28 of the Statute.back

[61] With respect to elements 4 and 5, the Court should consider whether, in the light of all relevant circumstances, the cumulative effect of factors with respect to guarantees deprived the person or persons of a fair trial.back

[62] The presence in the locality of persons specially protected under the Geneva Conventions of 1949 or of police forces retained for the sole purpose of maintaining law and order does not by itself render the locality a military objective.back

[63] As indicated by the use of the term "private or personal use", appropriations justified by military necessity cannot constitute the crime of pillaging.back

[64] The concept of "invasion" is intended to be broad enough to be gender-neutral.back

[65] It is understood that a person may be incapable of giving genuine consent if affected by natural, induced or age-related incapacity. This footnote also applies to the corresponding elements in article 8(2)(e)(vi)-3, 5 and 6.back

[66] Given the complex nature of this crime, it is recognised that its commission could involve more than one perpetrator as a part of a common criminal purpose.back

[67] It is understood that such deprivation of liberty may, in some circumstances, include exacting forced labour or otherwise reducing a person to servile status as defined in the Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery, the Slave Trade, and Institutions and Practices Similar to Slavery of 1956. It is also understood that the conduct described in this element includes trafficking in persons, in particular women and children.back

[68] The deprivation is not intended to include birth-control measures which have a non-permanent effect in practice.back

[69] It is understood that "genuine consent" does not include consent obtained through deception.back

[70] Consent is not a defence to this crime. The crime prohibits any medical procedure which is not indicated by the state of health of the person concerned and which is not consistent with generally accepted medical standards which would be applied under similar medical circumstances to persons who are nationals of the party conducting the procedure and who are in no way deprived of liberty. This footnote also applies to the similar element in article 8(2)(e)(xi)-2.back

  © Crown copyright 2004