The Coalition for the International Criminal Court is urging Indonesia to join the 121 countries that have ratified the Rome Statute. This appeal forms part of a campaign aimed at enhancing international justice. The Coalition emphasizes the benefits of ICC membership in promoting human rights and addressing impunity.
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court has urged Indonesia to enhance its dedication to international justice by joining the 121 nations that have ratified the Rome Statute. As part of the Coalition’s Universal Ratification Campaign for July 2012, Indonesia has been specifically targeted to inspire its accession to the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a correspondence addressed to Indonesian President H.E. Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on July 5, 2012, the Coalition, which comprises over 2,500 civil society organizations from 150 countries, called on the Indonesian government to increase its efforts toward joining the ICC. This initiative coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Statute’s implementation, highlighting its significant achievements despite the challenges encountered.
Furthermore, the Coalition noted Asia’s under-representation within the ICC, but acknowledged the progress being made by various countries in the region, including Indonesia. Mugiyanto, convenor of the Indonesian Coalition for the ICC, asserted that ratifying the Rome Statute would enable Indonesia to engage proactively in global peace and human rights protection, ensuring equality among nations that have joined this international legal framework.
In light of Indonesia’s recent review during the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review, the Coalition praised the acceptance of 12 recommendations concerning its accession to the Rome Statute. The Coalition urged officials to capitalize on this momentum, aligning with the objectives established in Indonesia’s National Human Rights Plan of Action for 2011-2014 concerning accession. Evelyn Serrano, the Coalition’s regional coordinator for Asia-Pacific, emphasized that ICC membership aligns with Indonesia’s commitment to human rights, benefiting its citizens and enhancing the pursuit of justice.
Currently, 121 states have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute, with Guatemala as the most recent participant. In Asia and the Pacific, 17 states have joined the Court. The ICC, the first permanent international court to address war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, operates under the principle of complementarity, intervening only when national systems fail to prosecute such crimes. At present, there are seven active investigations, and the ICC has issued numerous arrest warrants and summonses to individuals involved in serious international crimes.
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court calls on Indonesia to affirm its commitment to international justice by joining the Rome Statute. This step would not only enhance Indonesia’s stature in global human rights advocacy but also enable the nation to partake in the ICC’s endeavors towards strengthening the rule of law. As the Coalition continues to support Indonesia’s accession efforts, the country’s involvement could significantly benefit its citizens and contribute to the fight against impunity.
Original Source: www.thebahamasweekly.com
