In 1998, the International Criminal Court (ICC) was established under the Rome Statute, becoming the world’s first institution responsible for prosecuting individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Unlike other international bodies that primarily facilitate inter-state cooperation and accountability, the ICC targets individual perpetrators, such as dictators and military leaders. The Court operates under the principle of complementarity, which means it will intervene only when national judicial systems are unwilling or incapable of completing the case. Trials can be instigated by a State Party, the ICC Prosecutor, or the United Nations Security Council. By issuing arrest warrants and binding judgments, the ICC seeks to combat impunity in nations unable to provide justice for the world’s most abhorrent crimes.
This iteration of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is designed for experienced delegates seeking an unconventional, fast-paced debate environment and will follow a specialized set of Rules of Procedure designed specifically for this committee. Delegates will evaluate evidence from the trial, raise objections, participate in admissibility hearings and cross-examinations, and prepare Draft Indictments against accused individuals. Thus, delegates are encouraged to read the ICC-Specific Rules of Procedure to understand the committee’s structure, expectations, and procedural nuances. Position papers, although highly encouraged, are optional. However, delegates who wish to be considered for an award must submit their position papers by January 22, 2027, at 23:59 PST. More information about position papers can be found in the Position Paper Guide, on the Delegate Resources Page.
Topic A: Trial of Abdel Fattah al-Burhan & Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Click to show summary)
Sudan has faced a devastating civil war since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces & the Rapid Support Forces. In this year’s iteration of VMUN, the delegates of the International Criminal Court will debate, discuss, and determine how to convict two leaders involved in this conflict: Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the leader of the SAF, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of the RSF. The conflict in Sudan has devastated millions and caused severe humanitarian crises. Delegates must bring retribution and justice to the victims while balancing both leaders’ right to a fair trial.
Topic B: Trial of Abiy Ahmed & Debretsion Gebremichael (Click to show summary)
From 2020-2022, Ethiopia experienced a major civil war between the federal government, under Abiy Ahmed, and forces associated with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, led by Debretsion Gebremichael. The conflict followed multiple years of growing tensions as the TPLF lost influence following Abiy’s 2018 ascension to the premiership. Armed conflict and instability remain in the Tigray region and surrounding areas, with external actors and regional groups becoming increasingly involved in this war. In this committee, delegates will decide how to prosecute and bring justice to the leaders involved in this conflict.
Parnav Kundi | Director
As a grade 11 student at St. George’s School, Parnav is thrilled to be serving as Director of the ICC at VMUN 2027. Parnav began his MUN journey back in Grade 7, delegating as Bolivia in the WHO. Ever since that fateful day, he has begun to enjoy the research and insight into foreign policy that attending a MUN conference provides. At conferences, Parnav enjoys the early morning coffee runs with friends (if he can drag himself out of bed), the insightful debates, writing resolution papers after hours, and the late night chats with friends. When he’s not raising his placard “high and to the sky”, Parnav enjoys learning about US politics, playing sports, listening to music, or doing anything he can to avoid doing his homework. Parnav can’t wait for a conference full of exciting and lively debates, unforgettable fun, and a lot of other shenanigans.
Krupa Pramod | Chair
Entering her junior year at Little Flower Academy, Krupa is excited to be serving as the Judge of the ICC at VMUN 2027. Ever since stuttering through her first conference, Krupa has sworn to refrain from using personal pronouns and fallen in love with the world of Model UN. She savours the memories of watching Europe descend into communism and fascism simultaneously, lunch breaks at Chipotle, and bonding during committee breaks. When not in committee, Krupa can be found studying at cafes with friends, playing the New York Times games, or taking a spontaneous nap. She looks forward to VMUN ICC and cannot wait for interesting debate that is coming!
Sophia Baenninger | Assistant Director
As a Grade 10 student currently attending York House School, Sophia is honoured to serve as Judge of ICC at VMUN 2027. Although her first conference was far from perfect—involving (many) tiresome sprints to the hotel after lunch, and even more awkward speeches—Model UN has helped Sophia foster a deep passion for the fast paced debates, committee shenanigans, and late-night mukbang sessions that define every conference. Beyond the committee walls, Sophia can be found practicing poor posture habits in front of her monitor, “preparing” for her next debate tournament, or chomping down on salmon sashimi at Asa Sushi. Sophia is determined to make VMUN 2027 a soul-stirring experience for every delegate alike, and looks forward to an incredible weekend of diplomacy and discussion!
You can contact the Director at icc@vmun.com. Any questions regarding the committee or its debate procedures will be answered by email. Position papers must also be submitted to this address.