Evelyn Ama Ankumah, a distinguished Ghanaian international lawyer and human rights advocate, and Judge Sanji Monageng from Botswana, have been appointed as Special Advisers without portfolio to the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC). These two eminent African legal figures bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the ICC, bolstering the Prosecutor’s efforts in critical areas of international criminal justice. Prosecutor Karim Khan lauded their appointments, emphasizing the immense value their contributions will bring to the ICC’s work, particularly benefiting stakeholders and staff. He expressed gratitude for their willingness to share their time, profound experience, and invaluable insights on a pro bono basis.
Ms. Ankumah’s extensive legal background spans Africa, Europe, and North America. As the founder of Africa Legal Aid (AFLA), based in The Hague, she has championed gender-sensitive and victim-centered approaches within the realm of international criminal justice. Her contributions extend to academia, having served as a Research Fellow at Maastricht University and authoring a seminal work on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The ICC recognizes Ms. Ankumah’s pivotal role in shaping key legal frameworks for international justice, notably her involvement in the Review of the Kampala Amendments on the Crime of Aggression. She also leads the Gender Mentoring Training Programme for judges, further demonstrating her commitment to promoting equality and fairness within the judicial system.
Beyond her contributions to legal frameworks, Ms. Ankumah played a crucial role in establishing the International Criminal Court Bar Association (ICCBA) and is a member of the prestigious International Gender Champions Network. Her prolific writing, which includes six books and over 40 editions of the AFLA Quarterly journal, highlights her ongoing dedication to advocating for justice, accountability, and human rights on a global scale. Her work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring the voices of victims are heard and that international criminal justice mechanisms incorporate gender perspectives.
Judge Sanji Monageng brings three decades of experience in law and human rights to the ICC, having served as an ICC Judge from 2009 to 2018. During her tenure, she held key positions, including Appeals Division Judge and First Vice President, demonstrating her deep understanding of the intricacies of international criminal law. Her extensive judicial experience also includes serving as a Judge in Eswatini and The Gambia, further broadening her perspective and enhancing her ability to contribute to complex legal matters. Judge Monageng’s leadership extends to her role as Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, underscoring her long-standing commitment to human rights throughout the African continent. Her dedication and contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Human Rights Award from the International Association of Women Judges in 2014.
The appointment of Ms. Ankumah and Judge Monageng as Special Advisers reflects the ICC’s commitment to building a diverse and expert network to support the Prosecutor’s multifaceted mandate. The ICC emphasizes that Special Advisers are individuals with exceptional professional credentials who are appointed on a pro bono basis, ensuring a wide range of perspectives are represented. This approach aims to create a network that encompasses regional, cultural, linguistic, and gender diversity, enriching the ICC’s understanding of complex global issues. Their specialized knowledge will strengthen the OTP’s capacity to effectively carry out its duties under the Rome Statute and enhance expertise across a wide range of issues and priorities identified by the Prosecutor.
The addition of Ms. Ankumah and Judge Monageng to the ICC’s roster of Special Advisers significantly strengthens the Office of the Prosecutor. Their combined expertise in international law, human rights, and gender justice will be invaluable in addressing complex legal challenges and advancing the cause of international criminal justice. Their appointments are a testament to their outstanding contributions to the field and their commitment to upholding the principles of justice and accountability on a global scale. Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives will undoubtedly enrich the ICC’s work and contribute to its ongoing efforts to fight impunity and promote the rule of law internationally.
