Finland to second experts to International Criminal Court

Finland will second five new national experts to the International Criminal Court in The Hague as part of Finland’s contribution to civilian crisis management. The experts will take up their duties in November and January.

The national experts seconded by Finland will assist the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the investigation of the gravest international crimes, such as war crimes and crimes against humanity. As an independent and impartial court, the ICC will assign the Finnish experts to investigations where the need for expertise is greatest.

“Finland strongly supports the valuable work of the ICC and accountability for the most serious international crimes. Several serious crises and conflicts in the Middle East and Africa and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine have rapidly increased the ICC’s workload. It is important that the ICC can quickly and efficiently investigate all crimes that fall within its jurisdiction,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

Finland seconded the first six national experts to The Hague in 2022 in response to the ICC’s request for the States Parties to provide support after Russia launched its full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine.

Finland provides expert support as part of its contribution to civilian crisis management. In total, about 130 Finnish seconded experts are serving in international civilian crisis management missions.