February 22, 2017 (New York) – Proskauer and the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice have joined forces to produce a brochure on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to assist the Comisión de Derechos Humanos de El Salvador (Human Rights Commission of El Salvador or CDHES), a human rights NGO, in raising awareness among Salvadorans about their country’s membership in, and the protections afforded by, the ICC. The brochure, which has been produced in both Spanish and English, is part of a campaign by the CDHES to raise awareness among and to educate the greater Salvadoran public about the Court’s structure, jurisdiction, and interaction with citizens.

Drafted in plain language with texts and illustrations, the brochure will particularly aid Salvadorans disproportionately affected by corruption, crime, and violence—especially those from disadvantaged communities and members of indigenous groups—better understand the rule of law in El Salvador and how the ICC can help maintain it. Additionally, the literature seeks to dispel misconceptions about the scope of the ICC’s jurisdiction, which extends only to crimes that rise to the level of crimes against humanity, genocide or war crimes. The brochure will be a critical tool for the CDHES as it launches its campaign to familiarize Salvadorans with the ICC.

Collaboration between Proskauer’s New York, Chicago and Paris offices made this a truly international effort and a cause for which Proskauer is proud to have contributed. This project further reflects the Firm’s presence in the Latin America region, where Proskauer is regularly involved in international arbitration proceedings and cross-border M&A deals.

The CDHES will introduce the brochure at an upcoming press conference in El Salvador. Close to 200,000 copies will be distributed throughout the country and it will also be made available on the CDHES and Proskauer websites. Download the brochure here in Spanish and here in English.