Judge
Guénaël
Mettraux
Experience.
Integrity.
Justice.
Switzerland’s Candidate for Judge of the International Criminal Court 2027–36
Over 25 years in international criminal justice in all major international criminal tribunals.
A career devoted to law as well as independent and fair decision-making.
“Justice must be consistent, effective and principled — especially when the stakes are high. For over 25 years, I have dedicated my career to international criminal justice. I have served in the ICC and every major international criminal tribunal, working on some of the world’s most complex and sensitive criminal cases. These experiences shaped my firm belief in a court that delivers fair, independent, impartial and high-quality justice for victims and communities affected by the gravest crimes.”
If elected, I will bring to the ICC:
- Integrity in decision-making and high ethical standards
- Consistency in the application of the law
- Efficiency and effectiveness in proceedings
- Collegiality and commitment in service
- Unique knowledge of the law and practice of international criminal jurisdictions
Why support Judge Mettraux?
Unparalleled International Experience in Criminal Justice
- 25 years in international criminal justice and 6 criminal tribunals: ICC, ICTY, ICTR, ECCC, STL and KSC
- Managed highly complex and politically sensitive criminal cases entailing extensive evidence and numerous witnesses, while leading large international expert teams
- Served as judge, defence counsel and within the prosecution
Profound Understanding of the ICC
- 12 years of experience with ICC proceedings
- Mastery of the Rome Statute, the ICC’s procedural rules and its working methods
- First-hand knowledge of the ICC’s institutional challenges
Renowned Academic and Expert in Effective Justice Systems
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Taught and published extensively on international crimes and command responsibility
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Authored influential expert reports on judicial functioning of justice systems
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Respected for his integrity, independence, impartiality, diligence and sound judgement
A Global Legal Mind
- Educated in Switzerland, practicing in common-law, civil-law and hybrid systems
- Worked on international crimes cases in various regions and international settings
- Works, practices and writes in French and English
