Global Coalition Urges Indonesia to Join the International Criminal Court
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court has called on Indonesia to join the ICC, encouraging its ratification of the Rome Statute as part of a universal campaign. This effort underscores Indonesia’s commitment to international justice and human rights. The Coalition commended Indonesia’s acceptance of ICC accession recommendations and emphasized the benefits for victims of serious crimes through enhanced legal standards.
On July 9, 2012, the Coalition for the International Criminal Court urged Indonesia to join the International Criminal Court (ICC) as part of its Universal Ratification Campaign. This initiative targets different nations monthly, promoting the importance of the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty. The Coalition emphasizes that Indonesia’s accession would strengthen its commitment to international justice, aligning it with 121 other nations that have ratified the treaty.
The Coalition addressed a letter to Indonesian President H.E. Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on July 5, 2012. Within the correspondence, they encouraged Indonesia to expedite its efforts in joining the ICC. They highlighted the 10th anniversary of the Rome Statute’s enforcement, recognizing the advancements made in international justice, despite certain challenges.
Mugiyanto, convenor of the Indonesian Coalition for the ICC, articulated that ratifying the Rome Statute would enable Indonesia to contribute to global peace and justice, while safeguarding human rights for its citizens. He noted that joining the ICC would afford Indonesia equal standing with nations already engaged in this international legal framework.
Following Indonesia’s recent reviews at the Human Rights Council, the Coalition acknowledged the government’s acceptance of recommendations for ICC accession. They urged officials to capitalize on this momentum to achieve targets established in Indonesia’s National Human Rights Plan of Action covering 2011-2014.
Evelyn Serrano, the Coalition’s regional coordinator for Asia-Pacific, asserted that ICC membership aligns with Indonesia’s human rights commitments. She pointed out that the Rome Statute’s standards could significantly aid victims of serious crimes and address the ongoing struggles against impunity within Indonesia.
Currently, 121 nations are party to the Rome Statute, with Guatemala being the most recent. In Asia and the Pacific, 17 states have joined the Court, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the ICC’s vital role in promoting justice.
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court has made a compelling case for Indonesia’s accession to the Rome Statute, highlighting benefits to both national and global justice systems. The encouragement from civil society organizations aims to support Indonesia in fulfilling its commitment to human rights and reinforcing its position as a proactive member of the international community. The call for action underscores the ICC’s importance in addressing crimes against humanity and supporting nations in their pursuit of justice and accountability.
Original Source: www.thebahamasweekly.com
