Ukraine officially joins Rome Statute of ICC, becoming 125th state party
Photo: Ukrinform
On January 1, 2025, Ukraine officially became the 125th state party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This marks a significant milestone in Ukraine's relationship with the ICC, giving the country the same privileges as other member states. As a full member, Ukraine can now participate in elections, propose amendments, and more.
According to Ukrinform, in The Hague, a blue-yellow Ukrainian flag was also installed in the court building among the flags of the ICC member states.
The ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah noted that ratification of the Rome Statute allows Ukraine to participate in key processes, including:
- to vote for the approval of the budget and amendments to the Statute;
- to participate in the elections of judges, the prosecutor and the deputies;
- to nominate candidates for judicial positions.
"Ukraine officially becomes the 125th State Party to the International Criminal Court on January 1, 2025. This means that it is now a full-fledged State Party to this international treaty and has all the rights and obligations assigned to State Parties.
The most important among them is the right to vote when approving the budget, adopting changes and amendments to the Rome Statute, when selecting judges, the future Prosecutor and the deputies, which to some extent helps shape the future of international criminal law," ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah said.
Photo: Ukrinform
The spokesman expressed hope that Ukraine's example will inspire other countries to join the Statute.
"We hope that this new ratification will also open the door for others to follow Ukraine's example, which is a sign of confidence in the International Criminal Court (ICC). We hope that others will also take this as a signal, support it and participate in bringing us closer to realizing the dream of the universality of the Rome Statute, when all states will be united in the global fight against impunity and advocate for a more just world," the spokesperson said.
Answering a question about a Ukrainian judge at the ICC, Fadi El Abdallah said:
"Ukraine, as a State Party, may potentially put forth nominees, and their fate will be determined by the Assembly's vote. As for the qualifications for ICC judges, there are certain criteria that require experience in international or criminal law, and they must also have the necessary qualifications for the highest judicial positions in their respective home countries.
Also, every three years, elections for six ICC judges take place. So, of course, we hope that Ukraine will participate in all possible options for cooperation and support for the International Criminal Court, including nominating candidates for judicial positions, and will also contribute to increasing the number of Ukrainian colleagues at the ICC."
Photo: Ukrinform
According to the spokesman, among the requirements for judges is fluency in at least one of the two official languages of the International Criminal Court: English or French. Knowing both languages is an advantage, but at least one of them is mandatory, as they are the working languages of the ICC.
Fadi El Abdallah also clarified that ICC investigations do not involve states, but rather the individual responsibility of individuals. The ICC Prosecutor is responsible for determining whether to press charges and which crimes fall under the Court's jurisdiction.
By joining the ICC, Ukraine also undertakes to financially support the Court's activities. The ICC budget for 2025 is approximately 190 million euros, and each country's contribution is calculated in proportion to the size of its economy and population.
"The estimate is based on the same formula as in the UN, that is, taking into account the size of the economy and the number of people in the country. That is why, for example, Japan and Germany are among the largest contributors to the ICC budget. Right now, I do not have exact figures on what Ukraine's contribution should be. But it will be proportional to the size of its economy and population," he said.
For reference:
In March of 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin and Ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova due to the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children.
In addition, on March 5, 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the commander of the Russian long-range aviation, Sergei Kobylash, and the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Viktor Sokolov.
Also in June of 2024, the Pre-Trial Chamber II of the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov.
Thus, all countries that have ratified the Rome Statute must arrest the Russian dictator if he visits their states.
Ukrainian parliament ratifies Rome Statute of International Criminal Court
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