The Rome Statute Enters into Force - Major Step Towards Ending Impunity for the Worst Crimes
Amnesty International welcomes the historic occasion today of the entry into force of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Rome Statute) and calls on all governments to become parties to the Rome Statute and actively support the International Criminal Court (ICC).
"From today, those who commit the worst crimes under international law can be brought to justice by the Court," said Amnesty International.
The entry into force means that the ICC will be able to investigate and prosecute people accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from this date onwards. The ICC is expected to begin investigating its first cases in early 2003.
"Currently 73 countries have ratified the Rome Statute at a pace that has surprised many and appears to be continuing," added Amnesty International.
"It is another step towards a strengthened system of international justice, where the ICC will complement national jurisdictions in the struggle against impunity."
Amnesty International welcomes the historic occasion today of the entry into force of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Rome Statute) and calls on all governments to become parties to the Rome Statute and actively support the International Criminal Court (ICC).
"From today, those who commit the worst crimes under international law can be brought to justice by the Court," said Amnesty International.
The entry into force means that the ICC will be able to investigate and prosecute people accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes committed from this date onwards. The ICC is expected to begin investigating its first cases in early 2003.
"Currently 73 countries have ratified the Rome Statute at a pace that has surprised many and appears to be continuing," added Amnesty International.
"It is another step towards a strengthened system of international justice, where the ICC will complement national jurisdictions in the struggle against impunity."