Loading...

PGA’s vision is to contribute to the creation of a Rules-Based International Order for a more equitable, safe, sustainable and democratic world.

Challenges for the Universality and Threats for the Integrity of the Rome Statute system: The Role of Parliamentarians

UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

On 16 November 2016, PGA organized a Side Event, hosted by Estonia and Luxembourg, during the Fifteenth session of the Assembly of State Parties of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, on “Challenges for the Universality and threats for the integrity of the Rome Statute system: the Role of Parliamentarians.”


Background and Context

The Assembly of States Parties is the management oversight and legislative body of the International Criminal Court. It is composed of representatives of the States that have ratified and acceded to the Rome Statute.

Achieving the universal ratification and full implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court is pivotal in reaching the goal of putting an end to impunity for the most serious crimes to international concern. In accordance with the principle of complementarity, it is the primary responsibility of national jurisdictions to prosecute the most serious crimes, which requires that appropriate measures established in the Rome Statute, including on international cooperation, to be adopted at the national level.

This may entail a long and complicated process of decision-making, which implies overcoming obstacles at both political and legal level. In this regard, Parliamentarians have already played a crucial role in the advancement of universality and implementation of the Rome Statute system. Nevertheless, in light of the recent criticisms the ICC has been facing and the risks for its integrity and legitimacy, the role of the Parliamentarians has become even more prevalent.

2016 Annual Report
Document PDF, 1237 downloads, 07 March, 2017

Latest News: ROME STATUTE CAMPAIGN

"Verkhovna Rada" by Martin Schulz is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

On 21 August 2024, with an overwhelming 281 votes in favor out of 328 MPs present, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the Law to Ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and its amendments.

July 22-24, 2024 visit by Ghana Delegation to The Hague

The visit aimed to provide the MPs with comprehensive information and address questions concerning the draft bill to implement the provisions of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the national level.

From 28 to 30 May 2024, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) organized an important visit of Somali Members of Parliament to The Hague, Netherlands

The delegation – all members of the Committee of Justice and Defense from the Federal Parliament of Somalia – had the opportunity to engage in direct and crucial exchanges on accountability and justice.