F. A. ONOMRERHINOR

Genocide is one of the most heinous crimes under international law, characterized by acts intended to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established to ensure that such serious crimes do not go unpunished by providing a permanent international judicial body dedicated to holding perpetrators accountable. This role is critical in promoting justice, deterring future atrocities, and affirming the commitment of the international community to uphold human rights and the rule of law. The ICC’s involvement in prosecuting genocide marked a significant development in international criminal justice, addressing impunity where national courts failed to act. This aim of this long essay is to critically examine the effectiveness of the ICC in addressing and prosecuting genocide, identify existing gaps, and propose recommendations for improvement. Utilizing doctrinal methodology, the research analyses legal texts, ICC case laws, and international treaties relevant to genocide prosecution. The essay reveals that while the ICC represents a significant advancement in international criminal law by providing a permanent forum for justice, several gaps hinder its full effectiveness. These include limited jurisdictional reach, challenges to state cooperation, political interference, and delays in the prosecution process. Additionally, the ICC faces difficulties in ensuring victim participation and protection, which are crucial for restorative justice. The study recommends emphasizing strengthening international cooperation to overcome jurisdictional and enforcement challenges, enhancing the Court’s resources and capacity for expedited proceedings, and promoting broader acceptance of ICC jurisdiction through international diplomacy. The study also suggests amplified support for victim rights and witness protection mechanisms to ensure comprehensive justice delivery.

Genocide is one of the most heinous crimes under international law, characterized by acts intended to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established to ensure that such serious crimes do not go unpunished by providing a permanent international judicial body dedicated to holding perpetrators accountable. This role is critical in promoting justice, deterring future atrocities, and affirming the commitment of the international community to uphold human rights and the rule of law. The ICC’s involvement in prosecuting genocide marked a significant development in international criminal justice, addressing impunity where national courts failed to act. This aim of this long essay is to critically examine the effectiveness of the ICC in addressing and prosecuting genocide, identify existing gaps, and propose recommendations for improvement. Utilizing doctrinal methodology, the research analyses legal texts, ICC case laws, and international treaties relevant to genocide prosecution. The essay reveals that while the ICC represents a significant advancement in international criminal law by providing a permanent forum for justice, several gaps hinder its full effectiveness. These include limited jurisdictional reach, challenges to state cooperation, political interference, and delays in the prosecution process. Additionally, the ICC faces difficulties in ensuring victim participation and protection, which are crucial for restorative justice. The study recommends emphasizing strengthening international cooperation to overcome jurisdictional and enforcement challenges, enhancing the Court’s resources and capacity for expedited proceedings, and promoting broader acceptance of ICC jurisdiction through international diplomacy. The study also suggests amplified support for victim rights and witness protection mechanisms to ensure comprehensive justice delivery

Intimate partner abuse (IPA) is a serious and persistent problem in Nigeria, deeply rooted in social, cultural, and legal contexts. Despite existing laws and institutions designed to protect victims, IPA continues to affect countless individuals, particularly women, revealing significant gaps between legal provisions and their implementation. This study examines Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework for addressing IPA, considering both domestic laws, such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and international and regional instruments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Comparative insights from other countries’ approaches to IPA are also explored to identify best practices and lessons for Nigeria. The research highlights persistent challenges, such as weak enforcement, inadequate coordination among institutions, limited victim support services, and societal stigma, all of which undermine the effectiveness of legal protections. Through case studies, including the widely publicized Osinachi Nwachukwu case, the study illustrates the real-life consequences of these systemic weaknesses and the urgent need for reform. The findings suggest that addressing IPA in Nigeria requires more than legislation; it demands public education, capacity building for law enforcement and the judiciary, community engagement to challenge harmful gender norms, and enhanced support services for survivors. By situating Nigeria’s experience within the broader international context, the study demonstrates that meaningful progress against IPA depends on a combination of legal, institutional, and cultural interventions. The research concludes with practical recommendations aimed at strengthening both protection and prevention measures, ensuring that victims receive justice, and fostering a society where intimate partner abuse is no longer tolerated.