Ukraine officially became party to Rome Statute of ICC
Photo: Ukraine became a party to the Rome Statute of the ICC (Getty Images)
On January 1, 2025, Ukraine becomes a full member of the International Criminal Court. Thus, 125 states are already parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC, Ukrinform reports.
As of today, Ukraine is a full member of the International Criminal Court, having previously ratified the Rome Statute. The ICC's jurisdiction includes the most serious international crimes, including genocide, crimes of aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
The ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdall said that Ukraine now has the right to vote when approving the budget, adopting changes, and amendments to the Rome Statute, electing judges, the future prosecutor and his deputies, etc.
When asked about a Ukrainian judge at the ICC, the spokesperson noted that it is quite possible that Ukraine, as a member, could nominate candidates. The decision will depend on the Assembly's vote. He added that there are certain experience requirements for ICC judges, particularly in international or criminal law.
“Specific experience in terms of either international law or criminal law, and of course, being, qualified for the highest judicial positions in their own respective countries. And then, also there is every three years election of six judges at the ICC. So of course, we hope that Ukraine will be participating in all the various possibilities of cooperation and supporting the ICC, including with presenting candidates for judges and also with having more colleagues from Ukraine,” Fadi el-Abdall said.
Among the requirements for ICC judges is fluency in at least one of the two official languages - English or French.
The spokesperson emphasized that the ICC does not pursue cases against states, it is always about individual responsibility for crimes. Fadi El Abdallah explained that Ukraine does not need to launch a new investigation against Russian war criminals. He did not rule out that new cases and charges could be initiated.
Rome Statute ratification
The Rome Statute is an international treaty that established the International Criminal Court. It defines how the ICC operates and the crimes that fall under its jurisdiction.
In 2024, Ukraine ratified the Rome Statute. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the relevant law on Independence Day, August 24.
This step allowed Ukraine to become a full member of the ICC. Read more about the ratification of the Rome Statute in RBC-Ukraine's article.
