| Crime of Aggression |  | |
Derechos | Equipo Nizkor
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| Crime of Aggression | | |
Derechos | Equipo Nizkor
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12Mar15
The Netherlands accepts the jurisdiction of the ICC over the crime of aggression
The Netherlands has given its formal assent for the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to be expanded. It wants the ICC to be able to prosecute the crime of aggression and several other war crimes, including the use of poison gas in civil wars.
At the United Nations in New York, foreign minister Bert Koenders submitted the Dutch ratification of the Kampala amendments, which provide for this enlarged jurisdiction. ‘This will help combat impunity and strengthen the international legal order,’ said the minister, who is in New York for the UN General Assembly.
The Netherlands has played an active role in pushing for the inclusion of the crime of aggression, seen as one of the most serious international crimes. Before this expanded jurisdiction can take effect, however, a decision must be taken by the states that are party to Rome Statue, which established the ICC. The government hopes this will be done in 2017.
The ICC can already prosecute defendants suspected of committing genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. At present, 124 countries, including the Netherlands, are party to the Rome Statute.
[Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands, 23Sep16]
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