Jose Alvarez named special advisor on international law to prosecutor of the International Criminal Court

On April 28, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), announced the appointment of José Alvarez as his office’s special advisor on international law. Alvarez joined the NYU Law faculty from Columbia Law last year as the Herbert and Rose Rubin Professor of International Law. As special advisor, Alvarez will assist the prosecutor with public international law questions, such as those involving the relationship between the United Nations Security Council and the ICC.

The ICC, based in The Hague, is an independent, permanent court that investigates and prosecutes people accused of the most serious crimes of international concern, such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. A statement issued by the ICC notes that Alvarez’s appointment “continues the Office’s tradition of securing advice from recognised international law experts.”

"I am thrilled and honored to work with the prosecutor, especially on the cutting-edge issues that this relatively new court is raising," Alvarez says. "I have long been interested in how all of us, including international lawyers, can overcome the regrettable legacy of impunity for the gravest crimes imaginable.  I also know that many NYU Law students will be eager to assist me and the prosecutor in this effort."

Posted April 29, 2010