08May12

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Liechtenstein first country to ratify the Kampala amendments on the crime of aggression

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Press Release:

The Principality of Liechtenstein is the first country to ratify the Kampala amendments to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court on the crime of aggression. Today, 8 May 2012, the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, H.E. Ambassador Christian Wenaweser deposited the instrument of ratification with the Legal Counsel of the United Nations, Ms. Patricia O'Brien. The amendments contain a definition of the crime of aggression as well as the conditions for the Court's exercise of jurisdiction. In accordance with article 121(5) of the Rome Statute, the amendments will enter into force for Liechtenstein one year after the deposit of the instrument of ratification, i.e. on 9 May 2013. However, a total of 30 ratifications by States Parties are required as a condition for the Court to exercise jurisdiction over this crime in the future. In addition, States Parties will be required to take a decision to activate the Court's jurisdiction no earlier than 1 January 2017.

With today's deposit, the Principality of Liechtenstein underlines its commitment to the rule of law, international criminal justice and the International Criminal Court in particular. Liechtenstein was honored to preside over the 2010 Review Conference of the International Criminal Court, held in Kampala, Uganda, at which the amendments were adopted.

At the Review Conference, States Parties expressed their resolve to "activate the Court's jurisdiction over the crime of aggression as early as possible."1 In order to ensure the necessary 30 ratifications by States Parties until the end of 2016, which are necessary to activate the jurisdiction, Liechtenstein will actively promote ratification of the amendments in collaboration with the Global Institute for the Prevention of Aggression. The project will feature workshops, resource materials and a future website on the ratification and implementation of the Kampala amendments on the crime of aggression.

[Fuente: Permanent Mission of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the United Nations, Press Release, New York, 08May12]

Crime of Aggression

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