The Coalition for the International Criminal Court urges Indonesia to join the 121 nations that have ratified the Rome Statute. This call is part of a broader campaign emphasizing international justice and human rights. Leaders from the Coalition have expressed that Indonesia’s accession would align with its commitment to human rights and address impunity for serious crimes.
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court has urged Indonesia to reaffirm its commitment to international justice by joining the 121 nations that have ratified the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This call is part of the Coalition’s Universal Ratification Campaign, which highlights one country each month to encourage accession to the Rome Statute.
In a letter addressed to Indonesian President H.E. Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on July 5, 2012, the Coalition, representing over 2,500 civil society organizations in 150 countries, emphasized the need for Indonesia to accelerate its efforts to join the ICC. The letter noted that July 1 marked the tenth anniversary of the Statute’s entry into force, celebrating the progress achieved in international justice amid ongoing challenges.
The Coalition highlighted the under-representation of Asia at the ICC, commending Indonesia’s recent steps towards accession. Mugiyanto, convenor of the Indonesian Coalition for the ICC, stated, “Ratification of the Rome Statute will provide ample opportunity for Indonesia to be actively involved in world peace and global justice.”
Following Indonesia’s Human Rights Council review, the Coalition praised the country’s acceptance of twelve recommendations related to ICC accession and encouraged officials to meet the targets outlined in the National Human Rights Action Plan. Evelyn Serrano, the Coalition’s regional coordinator, asserted, “Indonesia’s membership to the ICC is consistent with its declaration of strong commitment to human rights and the rule of law.”
Currently, 121 states have ratified the Rome Statute, with Guatemala being the latest addition. In Asia and the Pacific, 17 countries have joined, reinforcing the region’s involvement in the ICC’s mission to combat impunity for serious crimes like genocide and crimes against humanity.
The ICC, as the first permanent international court addressing war crimes and related offenses, only intervenes when national systems cannot effectively prosecute such crimes. Presently, the ICC is overseeing seven investigations and has issued various arrest warrants, maintaining transparency in its proceedings for widespread justice.
In conclusion, the Coalition for the International Criminal Court fervently calls upon Indonesia to join the ranks of countries ratifying the Rome Statute. By doing so, Indonesia would not only enhance its role in global justice but also reaffirm its commitment to human rights and the rule of law. In light of recent developments, Indonesia’s accession to the ICC represents a significant step towards addressing impunity and protecting victims of serious crimes.
Original Source: www.thebahamasweekly.com
