From classroom to courtroom
Our first visit was to the ICC, where we toured the courtroom and gained insight into how it functions in practice. We observed where judges sit, where defendants are placed, and how witnesses are protected—through measures such as voice distortion and visual shielding. To complement the tour, we heard from ICC staff members who put the Court’s operations into focus.
One ICC staff member explained how victims are supported, how the Court handles witness logistics like secure travel, and where those on trial are detained. These behind-the-scenes details revealed a full picture of how justice is delivered. Another speaker, an international lawyer, spoke about the ICC’s founding, its jurisdiction, and several of its current cases. Finally, we had the privilege of meeting Judge Tomoko Akane, the President of the Court, who left us with thoughtful words that made a lasting impact.
Our next stop was the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, a smaller and more specialised tribunal addressing serious crimes committed during and after the Kosovo conflict. The visit offered a useful contrast to the ICC. While the ICC operates on a global scale, the Kosovo Chambers concentrate on a specific region and conflict. We toured the courtroom and received a briefing on the institution’s origins, its hybrid nature under both Kosovan and international law, and the challenges of balancing justice, politics and local accountability. The setting was more understated than the ICC, but the gravity of its mission was no less apparent.
Although we were unable to enter the ICJ as originally scheduled due to ongoing court proceedings, we still engaged meaningfully with the institution. Just days before the trip, we had the exclusive opportunity to speak with Judge Sarah Cleveland, an acting American judge on the Court, during a webinar. She offered valuable insight into the ICJ’s role within the UN system and reflected on how international law has evolved to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Moments that moved us
Meeting Judge Akane was one of the most memorable moments of the trip. We had the privilege of gifting her a King’s College London flag and pen, which she held up proudly as she smiled for a group photo before offering us advice and encouragement about our course and future paths. Her message was simple but powerful: keep studying, stay engaged, and take international law seriously. She reminded us that the work done in places like the ICC is not just about headlines—it is about shaping the future, and we can play a role in building it.
Throughout the visit, ICC professionals offered practical insights about working in the field. Some of my classmates asked about current cases, others about the challenges the Court faces—and some of us, let’s be honest, just wanted to know how to get a job. Their advice was clear: be flexible, gain experience across sectors, and do not expect a linear path.
For the duration of the trip, our course director Dr Maria Varaki brought everything together. She encouraged us to connect what we were seeing to the deeper questions behind it. She pushed us to think not just about how these institutions function, but why they matter—and how we might contribute to making them work more effectively. Her presence grounded the experience in both academic and personal reflection. And it also transpired that she’s an excellent city guide for The Hague!