Global Coalition Urges Indonesia to Join the International Criminal Court
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court is urging Indonesia to join the 121 nations that have ratified the Rome Statute, highlighting the importance of participating in international justice. The call coincides with the 10th anniversary of the statute’s enforcement and aims to enhance Indonesia’s role in global human rights protection. Notably, officials are encouraged to act on recommendations following a Human Rights Council review related to accession efforts.
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court has urged Indonesia to strengthen its dedication to international justice by joining the 121 countries that have ratified the Rome Statute. This call coincides with the Coalition’s Universal Ratification Campaign for July 2012, aimed at encouraging nations to become parties to the ICC’s foundational treaty.
In a letter dated July 5, 2012, addressed to President H.E. Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the Coalition—a global collective of over 2,500 civil society organizations across 150 countries advocating for a robust and independent ICC—implored the Indonesian government to enhance its efforts towards accession.
The Coalition recognized July 1, 2012, as the 10th anniversary of the Rome Statute’s entry into force, remarking on the system’s accomplishments in international justice over the last decade despite ongoing challenges. It noted Asia’s underrepresentation in the ICC while expressing encouragement over recent accession efforts from various countries, including Indonesia.
Mugiyanto, convenor of the Indonesian Coalition for the ICC, stated that joining the Rome Statute would allow Indonesia to actively participate in global peace and justice, as well as protect the human rights of its citizens. He emphasized that Indonesia would gain equal footing with other nations that have ratified this international instrument.
Following Indonesia’s review during the 13th session of the Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review, the Coalition commended the nation for accepting 12 recommendations toward ratifying the Rome Statute. It called on officials to leverage this momentum to achieve the targets set in the National Human Rights Plan of Action from 2011 to 2014 regarding accession.
Evelyn Serrano, the Coalition’s regional coordinator for the Asia-Pacific, commented, “Indonesia’s membership to the ICC is consistent with its declaration of strong commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The people, especially the victims of serious crimes, stand to benefit from the standards set by the Rome Statute in international law and justice.”
To date, one hundred and twenty-one states have ratified the Rome Statute, with Guatemala being the latest to do so. Currently, there are 17 states in Asia and the Pacific that have joined the Court, enhancing regional representation.
The ICC is the first permanent international court to prosecute crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It operates under the principle of complementarity, meaning it steps in only when national systems are unable or unwilling to prosecute such crimes. Presently, the Court is conducting seven investigations and has issued various arrest warrants and summonses.
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court has called on Indonesia to commit to international justice by ratifying the Rome Statute. This would not only increase Indonesia’s involvement in global justice efforts but also provide protections for human rights within the nation. Enhanced cooperation with the ICC aligns with Indonesia’s human rights commitments and could significantly benefit victims of serious crimes. With 121 countries already ratified, including 17 in Asia and the Pacific, there is a growing momentum for international justice that Indonesia needs to join. The ICC’s work in addressing impunity aligns with Indonesia’s own challenges in this area, emphasizing the importance of its accession to the treaty.
Original Source: www.thebahamasweekly.com
