The Pre-Trial Chamber III set on 31 January 2018 the deadline to allow victims of the alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Afghanistan to submit their representations to the ICC. This report examines the relevance of the victims’ submission for the purpose of the ICC decision to open an investigation into Afghanistan. The fact that the vast majority of Afghans who filed a submission to the Court have an interest in the opening of a formal investigation into the Afghanistan situation, shows that the ICC involvement would be in the interest of justice.

Despite the limitations of the ICC communication and outreach to Afghan media, victims and stakeholders, the Court has received 345 representations on behalf of more than seven hundred thousand victims. Among others, Reprieve has submitted representations on behalf of three individuals claiming to have been illegally detained and tortured by the US in Afghanistan.

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