CICJ

Center for International Criminal Justice

Advancing Independent Research, Education and International Dialogue

The Center for International Criminal Justice (CICJ) at Keio University is an independent academic center dedicated to research, education and international dialogue on international criminal justice.

Bringing together scholars, practitioners, students and international partners, the Center promotes rigorous legal scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration and regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

Why International Criminal Justice? Why CICJ?

International criminal justice seeks to hold individuals accountable for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes through the rule of law. Yet its development cannot be achieved by international courts alone. It depends equally on rigorous legal scholarship, critical inquiry, sustained international dialogue, and the education of future scholars and practitioners.

Recognising this need, Keio University established the Center for International Criminal Justice (CICJ) as an independent academic institution dedicated to advancing international criminal justice through research, education and international cooperation.

Guided by Keio University’s founding principle of Independence and Self-Respect (Dokuritsu Jison), the Center values academic independence, objectivity and intellectual integrity. Rather than assuming any particular institutional or political position, it provides a forum for examining both the achievements and the challenges of international criminal justice through open academic dialogue and rigorous legal analysis.

Through research, education and international cooperation, CICJ seeks to strengthen the intellectual foundations of international criminal justice, promote academic dialogue between the Asia-Pacific region and the wider international community, and foster the next generation of scholars and practitioners.

OUR MISSION

Dialogue

To promote sustained dialogue across legal systems, disciplines and regions.

Research

To advance rigorous legal research on international criminal law and international criminal justice.

Education

To foster the next generation of scholars and practitioners.

WHAT WE DO

  • Secretariat operations for the Asia-Pacific Academic Network
  • Research
  • Education
  • Public Lectures
  • Seminars

Asia-Pacific Academic Network for International Criminal Justice

CICJ serves as the Secretariat of the Asia-Pacific Academic Network (APN), a university-led regional network promoting dialogue, education and cooperation on international criminal justice.

The Network connects universities, practitioners and international organisations across the Asia-Pacific region.

HISTORY

12 June 2024
ICC President Tomoko Akane delivered a lecture at Keio University, after which the University and the ICC concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on academic exchange and research cooperation, including the placement of student interns.
27-28 November 2025
The ICC, with the support of the EU and in cooperation with Keio University, organized the ICC Asia-Pacific Academic Forum at Keio University. The Forum was attended by participants from across the region, including former ICC Judge Chang-ho Chung. At the Forum, all participants agreed that Keio University would serve as the ICC focal point and coordinating institution for Japan and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole.
4 March 2026
In cooperation with the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI), the Center hosted a lecture by former ICC Judge Bertram Schmitt.
17-19 March 2026
The ICC hosted the Focal Points Retreat of the Network at the seat of the Court in The Hague. Discussions focused on strengthening academic engagement with the Court’s mandate and developing joint research and exchange initiatives as well as collaborative activities.
April 2026
A Preparatory Office for the Center for International Criminal Justice (serving as the Secretariat of the Network) was established within the Faculty of Law at Keio University.
26 June 2026
An official opening ceremony of the Center is scheduled.
November 2026
The Second ICC Asia-Pacific Academic Forum is scheduled to be held at Keio University

PARTNERS

  • Keio University
  • International Criminal Court
  • UNAFEI
  • Partner Universities
  • Partner Institutions

PARTNERSHIP & SUPPORT

The Center welcomes collaboration with universities, international organisations, governments, foundations and individuals who share our commitment to advancing international criminal justice.

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