"With the entry into force of the Rome Statute today, new standards for international criminal law become operational. As more states join the Statute and the Court itself starts functioning, the chances increase of bringing to justice perpetrators of the worst crimes under international law."
Background
The Rome Statute was adopted by the international community on 17 July 1998 at a diplomatic conference in Rome. The Rome Statute provides for the establishment of a permanent ICC with jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The crime of "aggression" will also be within the ICC jurisdiction, when a definition and a procedure for consideration have been agreed.
The Statute provides that it will enter into force and the Court can be established, following the 60th ratification - this took place on 11 April 2002 at a special ceremony at the UN Headquarters. As of today, 73 states have ratified the Rome Statute and a total of 139 states have signed the Statute.
The ICC will not take the place of national courts but will be complementary to them, only acting when national courts are unwilling or unable to do so. The Court will have an independent prosecutor who can commence an investigation and based on information from any source. The UN Security Council can defer a case for 12 months at a time; however, all permanent members of the Council must agree to the deferral.
Background
The Rome Statute was adopted by the international community on 17 July 1998 at a diplomatic conference in Rome. The Rome Statute provides for the establishment of a permanent ICC with jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The crime of "aggression" will also be within the ICC jurisdiction, when a definition and a procedure for consideration have been agreed.
The Statute provides that it will enter into force and the Court can be established, following the 60th ratification - this took place on 11 April 2002 at a special ceremony at the UN Headquarters. As of today, 73 states have ratified the Rome Statute and a total of 139 states have signed the Statute.
The ICC will not take the place of national courts but will be complementary to them, only acting when national courts are unwilling or unable to do so. The Court will have an independent prosecutor who can commence an investigation and based on information from any source. The UN Security Council can defer a case for 12 months at a time; however, all permanent members of the Council must agree to the deferral.