Practising International Criminal Law Under Pressure:
Sanctions, Threats and Protections
21 April 2026, 16-18h, ICC (The Hague)
On 21 April 2026, the ICC Office of Public Counsel for the Defence (OPCD), the ICC Bar Association (ICCBA) and IILAT will host a panel discussion at the International Criminal Court in The Hague about the challenges faced by practitioners working in international criminal justice.
The discussion will explore the threats, risks and pressures faced by counsel practising before international courts and tribunals and how to address them. It will also highlight developments aimed at strengthening protections for lawyers, like the recent Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer (Luxembourg Convention).
The event aims to bring together counsel and staff practising at international criminal tribunals, judges and the diplomatic community. It will consist of a moderated panel discussion followed by an interactive Q&A session with the audience.
Participation is free, but registration is required.
Speakers:
Sophie O’Sullivan (Barrister, sanctions specialist, UK)
Roman Zavrsek (President of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe - CCBE)
Mylene Dimitri (Defence Counsel, ICC),
Natalie von Wistinghausen (Legal Representative of Victims, ICC)
Moderated by Judge Beti Hohler, ICC
Event details:
Date: 21 April 2026
Time: 16:00 – 18:00
Location: International Criminal Court, Press Briefing Room, Oude Waalsdorperweg 10, 2597 AK The Hague, The Netherlands.
Attendance: In person only
Language: English
To register for the event, please sign up here:
If you have any questions, please email us at