The Coalition for the International Criminal Court has urged Indonesia to join the ICC by ratifying the Rome Statute. Highlighting the importance of this action for international justice, the Coalition cites past progress and regional engagement. Officials have been called upon to seize the opportunity aligned with Indonesia’s commitment to human rights. Indonesia’s potential membership would align its efforts with global standards for justice.
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court has urged Indonesia to enhance its commitment to international justice by ratifying the Rome Statute, joining 121 other nations. This call was made during the Coalition’s Universal Ratification Campaign, aimed at increasing ICC membership worldwide. Indonesia was the focus of this campaign in July 2012, emphasizing the importance of the ICC’s role in global justice and humanitarian rights.
In a formal correspondence dated July 5, 2012, addressed to President H.E. Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the Coalition, which comprises over 2,500 civil society organizations from 150 nations, requested the Indonesian government to prioritize its accession to the ICC. The Coalition noted that July 1, 2012, marked the tenth anniversary of the Rome Statute’s enforcement and highlighted the progress made by the ICC in the face of various challenges over the decade.
Mugiyanto, convenor of the Indonesian Coalition for the ICC, stated, “Ratification of the Rome Statute will provide ample opportunity for Indonesia to be actively involved in world peace and global justice.” He emphasized that joining the Rome Statute would afford Indonesia equal footing with other nations committed to human rights and global justice initiatives.
Following Indonesia’s recent participation in the Universal Periodic Review by the Human Rights Council, the Coalition commended the acceptance of 12 recommendations aimed at accession to the Rome Statute. They urged Indonesian officials to capitalize on this opportunity in alignment with the 2011-2014 National Human Rights Plan of Action regarding accession to the ICC.
Evelyn Serrano, the Coalition’s regional coordinator for Asia-Pacific, remarked, “Indonesia’s membership to the ICC is consistent with its declaration of strong commitment to human rights and the rule of law.” She highlighted the benefits that victims of serious crimes would gain from the standards set by the Rome Statute, linking them to Indonesia’s efforts to combat impunity.
Currently, 121 states have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute, with Guatemala as the latest addition. Seventeen states from Asia and the Pacific are among those who have joined the ICC, demonstrating a growing regional advocacy for international justice.
The ICC stands as the first permanent international tribunal tasked with prosecuting war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The principle of complementarity is vital to its mandate, stipulating that the ICC will intervene only when national jurisdictions fail to act on such grave crimes. The Court is currently conducting investigations in several countries, with numerous warrants and summons recently issued, underpinning its active role in international justice.
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court has made a strong appeal for Indonesia to commit to international justice by ratifying the Rome Statute. This engagement would affirm Indonesia’s position in global humanitarian efforts. The Coalition highlights the importance of ICC membership for human rights protection in Indonesia and underscores the need for collaboration in achieving justice globally. The ongoing support for international cooperation in legal matters is crucial for enhancing global peace and accountability.
Original Source: www.thebahamasweekly.com
