The Hague, Netherlands – Judge Iulia Motoc, the presiding judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC), has built a formidable career in international law and human rights, making her a key figure in global justice.
Before joining the ICC, Judge Motoc served at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) from 2013 to 2023, where she presided over cases involving corruption, sexual violence, genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Her judicial expertise spans some of the most complex and high-profile cases in modern international law.
Beyond the courtroom, she has contributed significantly to legal scholarship, serving as a Professor of International Law at the University of Bucharest, where she became a full professor in 2002. Her academic research focuses on the use of force, theories of international law, human rights, and transitional justice—fields that directly influence her work at the ICC.
Judge Motoc’s credentials extend to key international bodies, including the Institut de Droit International, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization that advances the development of international law. She has also served as a UN Special Rapporteur, documenting crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As the presiding judge in the pre-trial case of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Judge Motoc continues to uphold international justice with her extensive knowledge and commitment to human rights. Her leadership in the ICC is expected to shape the court’s approach to accountability for global crimes.
