Model International Criminal Court (MICC)
How does the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague actually work? Who decides on cases involving human rights violations there? The Model International Criminal Court (MICC) project provides answers to these questions. And more than that: it lets you experience exactly that first-hand.
Here, young people take on the roles of judges, defence lawyers, prosecutors, or journalists. They work with real cases ranging from war crimes committed during the Second World War to the genocide in Rwanda and the wars in the former Yugoslavia. In workshops and seminars, they first learn how international criminal law works and what questions lie behind each judgement.
But MICC is more than just a simulation. It is an experience: young people get a sense of what international law and justice mean. They learn what injustice feels like and what responsibility we have in today’s world to stand up for one another.
The project is divided into three formats: MICC School is aimed at high school students, MICC University at college students, and MICC Academy at professionals.
The MICC has been running since 2005 and was one of the first projects in the field of historical human rights education.
Partners
MICC's partner network consists of more than 80 partner organisations, initiatives, and schools.
Funders
Reinhard Frank Foundation
Freya von Moltke Foundation for the New Kreisau
Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ)
Rotary International
Roropa
Engagement Global, with funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
The project is co-funded by the European Union.
Patroness of the MICC:
Dr. Katarina Barley, Vice President of the European Parliament
Since 2025, Dr Katarina Barley, Vice-President of the European Parliament, has served as patron of the MICC programme. We would like to warmly thank Dr Katarina Barley for her trust. Her commitment encourages us to continue developing MICC as an exemplary programme that promotes international understanding, the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and civic engagement among young people.
You can read Dr Katarina Barley's welcome message below.
Welcome message from Dr Katarina Barley on Her Patronage of the MICC
With the Model International Criminal Court (MICC), the Kreisau-Initiative e. V. has created an exceptional educational programme that offers young people the opportunity to become familiar with international law and encourages them to stand up for justice and human rights.
The topics addressed by the MICC are more important today than ever before, as international law is an indispensable component of a global order based on the rule of law. We are living in a time marked by new geopolitical challenges, conflicts, and human rights violations. Especially now, it is crucial to raise awareness of justice and individual responsibility and to demonstrate how one can effectively advocate for these values
This is where the MICC comes in: it enables young people from different countries to engage with real cases of human rights violations, analyse complex legal issues, and take on the roles of judges, prosecutors, defence attorneys, and journalists.
The experiences participants gain through the MICC are often life changing. They frequently spark a desire to become more engaged in society, influence choices of study or career, and mark the beginning of friendships that last a lifetime. MICC shows that justice is not an abstract idea, but a shared responsibility we must all uphold. Dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect for human rights are the cornerstones of peaceful coexistence and international cooperation.
It is encouraging to see the commitment and enthusiasm with which the participants take on the challenges of this unique educational programme. Our societies need people who stand up for justice – both within and beyond Europe – with conviction and moral courage.
As the patron of the Model International Criminal Court, I am pleased to support the work of the Kreisau-Initiative e. V. I am convinced that the MICC will continue to play an important role in human rights education and, therefore, in the defence of human rights in the years to come.
I wish you all an enriching and inspiring experience!