🎧 Episode Overview

In this episode Dr Miranda Melcher speaks with Ignacio Baeriswyl, a Chile‑qualified lawyer who served as an associate legal officer in the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Reparations Section and is currently a lecturer and PhD candidate at the University of Amsterdam. Ignacio outlines his professional trajectory—from domestic economic criminal law in Chile to his work at the ICC—explains the functions and challenges of the reparations team, and discusses the structural limits of the Court’s jurisdiction and authority. He also offers practical guidance for individuals aspiring to work in international criminal justice.

👤 Guest Bio

Ignacio Baeriswyl

• Chilean‑qualified attorney, specialised in economic criminal law.
• Former associate legal officer, Reparations Section, ICC (The Hague).
• Lecturer and Programme Coordinator, LLM in International Law, University of Amsterdam.
• PhD candidate researching reparations, victim‑centred justice, and trans‑generational harm.

📚 Resources & Links

• Just Access Podcast homepage – https://just-access.de/podcast
• Donate / support the podcast – https://just-access.de/donate
• Contact the show – [email protected]
• ICC Reparations Section – https://www.icc-cpi.int/reparations
• Rome Statute (reparations provisions) – https://www.icc-cpi.int/resource-library/documents/rome-statute

🗒️ Key Take‑Aways

1. Internship experience is essential for entering the ICC; it functions as an informal prerequisite for paid positions.
2. Reparations remain an evolving area of ICC jurisprudence because the Rome Statute provides limited guidance, leaving substantial scope for judicial development.
3. Jurisdictional constraints limit the Court’s ability to act; the ICC relies heavily on cooperation from States parties.
4. Organisational compartmentalisation means judges, prosecutors, and outreach staff operate largely independently, influencing case outcomes.
5. Precision in legal drafting is critical; minor wording variations can affect victims’ eligibility for reparations.
6. Career guidance: acquire domestic legal experience, target internships strategically, and align academic qualifications with the specific ICC unit of interest.

🎯 Who Should Listen?

• Human‑rights practitioners & NGOs seeking insider perspectives on ICC operations.
• Law students eyeing a career in international criminal law.
• Policy makers interested in the mechanics of reparations and victim‑centred justice.
• Anyone interested in defending human rights

📢 Call to Action

• Subscribe to the Just Access podcast to receive future episodes.
• Share the episode with colleagues and networks interested in international criminal law and human‑rights advocacy.
• Provide a review on your preferred podcast platform to increase visibility.
• Support the podcast’s continued production by donating at https://just-access.de/donate.

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