The Hague, 5 February 2024
On 31 January - 1 February 2024, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) facilitated a visit of a Ukrainian parliamentary delegation to the Hague. The purpose of the visit was two-fold: to advance the Rome Statute ratification and implementation process, as well as assist the Ukrainian parliamentarians in their advocacy for political support with the legislators of the Netherlands, the fifth biggest supporter of Ukraine since the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation in February 2022.
On 31 January, the Ukrainian parliamentarians discussed with their counterparts in the Dutch Parliament military support for Ukraine, including the main shortages in military supplies, as well as the status of Ukraine’s domestic judicial and other reforms.
On 1 February, PGA facilitated a crucial meeting between Ukrainian representatives with the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Piotr Hofmański, and representatives of his Office.
The distinguished Ukrainian delegation was led by H.E Oleksandr Karasevych, Ambassador of Ukraine to the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Mr. Oleksandr Korniyenko, First Deputy Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine; Ms. Galyna Mykhailiuk, Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Parliament and Deputy Head of the Committee on Law Enforcement; Mr. Yehor Cherniev, Head of the Ukrainian Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and Deputy Chairman of the Defense Committee; Mr. Oleksii Zhmerenetskyi, Member of Parliament; Mr. Andrii Zhupanyn, Member of Parliament; Mr. Andrii Kaniuka, Advisor to the First Deputy Chairperson; and Ms. Myroslava Krasnoborova, Counsellor of the Embassy (Liaison Prosecutor for Ukraine at Eurojust).
The discussion led to four main takeaways:
- Priority amidst challenges as well as for the EU standing: While acknowledging deep solidarity with Ukraine's current challenges in the face of the ongoing war of aggression, President Hofmański underscored the critical priority of ratifying the Rome Statute. He emphasized the ratification should not be made as a political decision, but it should be nevertheless taken into consideration that such step is aligned with Ukraine's aspirations to join the European Union, as firmly set in the EU Accession Agreement. Highlighting that Ukraine is currently under the Court’s jurisdiction as it has accepted it twice on an ad hoc basis, he stressed Ukraine's potential to become an active player- rather than a passive one- with an influential voice and vital force in the fight against impunity.
- Obstacles acknowledged: The First Deputy Chairperson of the Ukrainian Parliament, Mr. Korniyenko, candidly acknowledged existing obstacles, including insufficient communication with civil society - despite the activities and efforts of local organizations – as well as misconceptions regarding the Rome Statute, particularly within the military. Notwithstanding these challenges, Mr. Korniyenko stated that the overall opinion on the ratification has improved in comparison with the period prior the full-scale invasion.
- Reaffirmed commitment: PGA member Ms. Mykhailiuk confirmed her continuous dedication to supporting the ratification process, that she had vigorously expressed at the PGA’s 12th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians on the International Criminal Court and the Rule of Law (CAP-ICC) held in 2022 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The commitment of the Law Enforcement Committee, that she’s the Deputy Head of, extends to passing legislation that is aligned with EU standards.
- Request for technical assistance: The Deputy Chairman outlined the procedural steps required for the ratification and requested technical assistance from both PGA and ICC President Hofmański. He emphasized that once the ratification package reaches the Parliament, the legislation would be expected to be approved on first reading.
The discussions between Ukrainian representatives and the ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmański continue to illuminate the path forward for the ratification of the Rome Statute. The ratification will fortify Ukraine's standing on the world stage and reinforce the collective pursuit of a more just and safer world. The ratification process will be a testament to Ukraine's unwavering dedication to the principles underpinning a rules-based international order where impunity finds no sanctuary and justice prevails.
