Attacking a Peacekeeping Mission – A War Crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

Abstract

The Article examines the war crime of attacking peacekeeping missions under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. It explores the meaning of a peacekeeping mission within the context of Article 8 of the Rome Statute, the status of peacekeeping missions under international humanitarian law as well as the key principles of peacekeeping. The Article further analyzes the notion of direct participation in hostilities in connection with peacekeeping missions. Lastly, the Article critically examines the ICC Prosecutor’s investigation into the alleged attacks against the Joint Peacekeeping Forces in South Ossetia during the 2008 August war and identifies the challenges that face this investigation.