What is the main role of the International Criminal Court (ICC)?

The main role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is to prosecute individuals for serious crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Established by the Rome Statute in 2002, the ICC operates on the principle of complementarity, meaning it steps in only when national courts are unable or unwilling to prosecute these egregious offenses. This focus on accountability for individuals, rather than states, distinguishes the ICC's purpose in the realm of international law. The ICC aims to deter future atrocities by promoting justice and reinforcing the rule of law at an international level, ultimately contributing to global peace and security.

Other options relate to functions not covered by the ICC. Dispute resolution over borders is typically managed by other international legal frameworks or organizations. The ICC does not settle legal questions for UN bodies, as this role is filled by entities like the International Court of Justice. Furthermore, while compliance with international treaties is crucial for international relations, enforcement generally falls within the purview of state parties and various other international organizations rather than the ICC's specific mandate.