The Coalition for the International Criminal Court urges Indonesia to ratify the Rome Statute and join the ICC, highlighting the importance of global justice and human rights. The call aligns with Indonesia’s national human rights initiatives and reflects a broader regional push for ICC membership, contributing to international legal frameworks against serious crimes.
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court has urged Indonesia to enhance its commitment to international justice by joining the 121 nations that have ratified the Rome Statute, which is the founding treaty of the ICC. This appeal is part of the Coalition’s Universal Ratification Campaign, which focuses on encouraging one nation each month to become part of this treaty.
In a letter to President H.E. Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, dated July 5, 2012, the Coalition, which comprises over 2,500 civil society organizations across 150 nations, highlighted the importance of Indonesia’s accession to the ICC. The letter commemorated the tenth anniversary of the Rome Statute’s entry into force and acknowledged the challenges and successes experienced by the ICC during this period.
The Coalition emphasized that ratifying the Rome Statute would enable Indonesia to contribute actively toward world peace and global justice. It also noted that membership would ensure the protection of human rights for its citizens and provide Indonesia with equal standing alongside other ratifying nations. Mugiyanto, the convenor of the Indonesian Coalition for the ICC, stated that this engagement aligns with Indonesia’s dedication to human rights.
Following a review during the Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council, Indonesia accepted 12 recommendations related to its accession to the Rome Statute. The Coalition encouraged Indonesia to capitalize on this momentum to accomplish its 2011-2014 National Human Rights Plan of Action, aiming for accession.
Evelyn Serrano, the Coalition’s regional coordinator for Asia-Pacific, acknowledged that Indonesia’s ICC membership would align with its commitment to human rights and the rule of law. She noted that victims of serious crimes would benefit from the standards established by the Rome Statute and emphasized Indonesia’s challenges in combating impunity and serious crimes, which resonate with ICC objectives.
Currently, 121 states have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute, with Guatemala being the latest member. Among these states, 17 are from Asia and the Pacific. The ICC, as the world’s inaugural permanent court for prosecuting war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, operates under a principle of complementarity, intervening only when national systems are inadequate.
As of now, the ICC has seven ongoing investigations and has issued 20 arrest warrants and nine summonses. Its recent activity includes a judgment in the first trial on March 14, 2012, and ongoing trials for other cases. The Office of the Prosecutor is also conducting seven preliminary examinations across various regions including Afghanistan and Colombia.
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court has called on Indonesia to join the ICC, joining the 121 nations that have ratified the Rome Statute. This membership would underscore Indonesia’s commitment to international justice and human rights. The ICC, with its principle of complementarity, serves as a vital mechanism for prosecuting serious crimes globally. The current push for Indonesia’s accession aligns with its human rights agenda and the ongoing efforts to combat impunity and enhance justice.
Original Source: www.thebahamasweekly.com
