From its inception, ICDAA played an active role in the intense negotiations that culminated with the creation of the International Criminal Court (ICC), in Rome in 1998. From 1998 to 2002, it was the only NGO with United Nations accreditation to represent the rights of the defence. Many of its recommendations were integrated into the Court’s body of law including regulations that ensure the independence of lawyers pleading before it. From then on, ICDAA became a key actor in the development of international criminal law:
- It actively took part in the United Nations Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) meetings until 2002. It has also been participating in the meetings of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), the Court’s governing body.
- ICDAA was the architect behind the creation of a coalition, which it led with its partners, which included, most notably, the Paris Bar Association. The coalition was composed of legal organizations, national bar associations and attorneys from across the globe. In 2002, the coalition founded the International Criminal Bar (ICB), which, from its creation, has worked closely with the different bodies of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.
- ICDAA received consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 2004, which was renewed in 2008.
- Since 2005, ICDAA is recognized as a civil society organization by the Organization of American States (OAS)
- Since 2006, ICDAA is also registered as a participant organization on the Répertoire de la Francophonie.
