The International Criminal Court (ICC) has its headquarters in__________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks where the International Criminal Court (ICC) has its headquarters.

Step 2: Explain the concept The ICC was established by the Rome Statute (adopted 1998, in force 2002). It is a permanent court that prosecutes individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. It is separate from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which settles disputes between states. Both are in the same city, which is a common source of confusion.

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. The Hague, Netherlands: This is the ICC's seat. (The option spells it "Hagues", which is a typo for "The Hague".)
• B. Vienna, Austria: Vienna hosts bodies such as the IAEA, OPEC and UNODC, not the ICC.
• C. New York, United States: This is the headquarters of the United Nations, not the ICC.
• D. Ottawa, Canada: The ICC has no connection to Ottawa.

Step 4: Answer The ICC is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands.

Tip: Link "The Hague" with "international justice": the ICC, the ICJ and the Permanent Court of Arbitration are all there. Link Vienna with atomic energy and oil (IAEA, OPEC), and New York with the UN. Also remember that the ICJ deals with states, while the ICC deals with individuals.