In this article the author argues that UNSC referrals to the ICC perpetuate selective impunity and undermine the ICC’s legitimacy by allowing permanent UNSC members (USA, Russia, China) to shield themselves and their allies from prosecution. This selective application of justice creates a perception of bias and unequal treatment, particularly affecting African nations and leading to increased state withdrawals from the Rome Statute. To address this legitimacy deficit, the article proposes granting universal jurisdiction to the ICC, ensuring that anyone committing atrocities can be prosecuted regardless of their state’s party status, thereby promoting a more egalitarian and credible international justice system. Continue reading UNSC Referrals at ICC: An Unnecessary Evil and the Problem of Impunity