The Child in ICC Proceedings School of Human Rights Research Series Series, Vol. 70

International law and state practice mirrors the recognition of children’s particular need for protection during peacetime, but in situations in which international crimes are being committed the prosecution of international crimes committed against children before international courts and tribunals is also well embedded. While international prosecutions are thus in line with the overall development of protecting children from the consequences of armed conflict and large scale violence, the involvement of the child in international criminal proceedings also gives rise to new questions which relate to the procedural involvement of the child.

As child participation in the proceedings before the International Criminal Court (ICC) constitutes a matter of fact, one may raise the question whether such participation is a welcome development. This study examines the procedural implications of child participation and thereby intends to contribute legal views and perspectives to the underlying debate on the adequacy of child participation in ICC proceedings. The study concludes with ten recommendations that underline the call.

Introduction
Chapter 1. Introduction

Part I. The Child in International Criminal Proceedings
Chapter 2. The Child Witness
Chapter 3. The Child Victim
Chapter 4. The Child Perpetrator and the Child of a(n) (alleged) Perpetrator

Part II. The Child in International Reparation Practice
Chapter 5. The Child Claimant

Part III. Concluding and Comparative Evaluation
Chapter 6. Evaluation and Future Perspectives

Helen Beckmann-Hamzei is PhD-candidate at the Grotius Centre for International Legal Studies Leiden University, under the supervision of Professor Zegveld (Gieskes Chair). Her PhD research deals with the child war victims’ access to justice during and in the aftermath of an armed conflict and the enforcement of their rights.