Understanding the oversight role of UN OIOS and ICC's Institutional resilience

In a significant development for international criminal justice, Karim Khan, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has temporarily stepped aside while an investigation by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (UN OIOS) into allegations of sexual misconduct proceeds.

- ABHINAV MEHROTRA & DR. BISWANATH GUPTA

Khan's office announced that he voluntarily informed colleagues of this decision, emphasizing cooperation with the inquiry. While no timeline has been established for the investigation's completion, the ICC has confirmed that its two Deputy Prosecutors will assume his responsibilities in the interim.

This marks a rare moment of uncertainty in the leadership of the ICC, an institution often under intense global scrutiny for its prosecution of crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

This development brings into focus the role of OIOS, a crucial UN body tasked with upholding integrity and accountability within the system.

UNDERSTANDING THE UN OFFICE OF INTERNAL OVERSIGHT SERVICES (OIOS)

Established in 1994 through UN General Assembly Resolution 48/218 B, the OIOS is an independent entity within the UN Secretariat. It reports directly to both the UN Secretary-General and the General Assembly, serving as the UN's internal watchdog. It is headquartered in New York. The core function that the OIOS performs includes internal audit to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the United Nations' internal control systems, risk management, and governance processes.