NCJ Number
189826
Journal
International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: Fall/Winter 1998 Pages: 4-5
Date Published
1998
Length
2 pages
Annotation
A United Nations Conference held in Rome, Italy, from June 15, 1998, to July 17, 1998, agreed on the overall shape and mechanics of an international criminal court and put into final form the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Abstract
Delegations from 160 countries plus hundreds of nongovernmental organizations took part in the conference. Many schisms emerged and irreconcilable positions were taken over the 5 weeks of intense negotiations. However, a series of package proposals brokered by the Canadian delegation moved the conference to agreement on the Court’s basic structure. Establishment of the Court requires the signatures of 60 countries; 58 countries have already signed. National ratification and implementation are also crucial in that countries need to adopt effective implementing legislation and institutional arrangements for the Court to be truly effective. The Statue has both strengths and weaknesses. Positive aspects include the proprio motu Prosecutor, the provision for inherent jurisdiction, the absence of an armed conflict nexus in crimes against humanity, and the incorporation of many positions reflecting a concern with gender violence and victims. Much work and areas for further development lie ahead.