Take action to ensure Universal Ratification of the Rome Statute

Take action to ensure Universal Ratification of the Rome Statute

Amnesty International is appealing to all governments to join the international movement to end impunity for the worst crimes known to humanity by ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Currently there are 100 countries that have ratified the statute. The statute provides for a permanent International Criminal Court, which will try individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The ICC will only act when national courts are unable or unwilling to do so.

The Rome Statute provides that in most cases (except when the UN Security Council decides) the International Criminal Court will be limited to investigating and prosecuting crimes that take place on the territory of states that have ratified it. It is therefore essential that as many states as possible ratify. Amnesty International is calling on all states to ratify the Statute, in order to make the international justice system as effective as possible in combating impunity for the worst crimes under international law.


TARGET COUNRTY NEPAL

Greater support for the International Criminal Court in the Asian region is crucial for the growing global fight against impunity and for the defense of fundamental human rights.
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court and its members are calling on Nepal to take a major step forward in its commitment to international justice and the rule of law by acceding to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as soon as possible.
Encouraging reports from Katmandu indicate that on 24 July 2006, the House of Representatives unanimously endorsed a proposal to accede to the Rome Statute of International Criminal Court, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister K.P. Sharma Oli affirmed that Nepal will take the necessary measures to accede to the Rome Statute very soon.
While the CICC understands the challenges facing Nepal in the context of its transition to democracy and its strengthening of the democratic order, the CICC feels that in joining the ICC, Nepal will further consolidate the rule of law and will send clear sign to the international community of the their commitment to upholding the highest international human rights.
Asia remains poorly represented at the Court, and greater Asian participation is needed to ensure that the ICC is enriched by the diverse legal cultures of the region. Currently, Cambodia, East Timor, Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Afghanistan and Tajikistan are the only Asian States Parties to the ICC. While Thailand, the Philippines and Bangladesh have already signed the Rome Statute, they have yet to ratify. Nepal’s accession to the Rome Statute would further strengthen the Nepal peace process and help to bring Asian expertise to this landmark institution.
The Rome Statute came into force in July 2002 and now has the support of more than half of the world’s nations. One hundred states from across the globe have acceded to or ratified the treaty and 139 are signatories.


As SAPF Member what can you do to promote universal ratification of the Rome Statute?

Take Action Now by supporting the SAPF appeal by sending letters by mail or fax urging the government of Nepal to accede to the Rome Statute as soon as possible.

Send your letter to:
H.E. Mr. Girija Prasad Koirala
Prime Minister of Nepal
Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers
Singh Durbar
Kathmandu,
Nepal
P.O. Box 43312
Email: nfo@opmcm.gov.np
Tel: 977 – 1 - 4211000
Fax: 977-1-4416016
LETTER FORMAT
Your Excellency,
I was delighted to learn of recent developments in the Nepalese House of Representatives whereby on 24 July 2006 the House unanimously endorsed a proposal to accede to the Rome Statute of International Criminal Court. I also welcome statements by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister K.P. Sharma Oli affirming that Nepal will take the necessary measures to ratify the Rome Statute very soon, thereby demonstrating its commitment to end impunity in the country.
While there are many challenges facing Nepal in the context of its transition to democracy and its strengthening the domestic democratic order, by joining the ICC, Nepal will be able to further consolidate the rule of law and will also send clear sign to the international community about your commitment to upholding the highest international human rights. I therefore appeal to your Excellency and urge the government of Nepal to accede to the Rome Statute of the ICC as soon as possible.
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court entered into force in 2002 and to date, 139 states have signed and 100 states have acceded to or ratified this treaty. As the first permanent global court capable of trying individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, the ICC represents one of the most important advances toward ensuring that the gravest violations against humanity no longer remain unpunished.

As you are aware, Asia remains poorly represented at the Court, and greater Asian participation is needed to ensure that the ICC is enriched by the diverse legal cultures of the region. Currently, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Mongolia, Republic of Korea, Timor L’este, and Tajikistan are the only Asian States Parties to the ICC. While Thailand, the Philippines and Bangladesh have already signed the Rome Statute, they have yet to ratify.
Once again I take this opportunity to welcome Nepal’s recent declarations in support of the ICC and express the wish that we may soon witness Nepal as an additional Asian State Party to the Court.
Sincerely,