IASC Statement, International Criminal Court, 1999

In July 1998, the diplomatic conference in Rome adopted the Statute for an International Criminal Court (ICC). The IASC members express their support for the establishment of an effective and independent ICC. In addition, to ensure regular follow up on this crucial issue for the protection of civilians, the IASC Working Group designated a focal point responsible for keeping them regularly informed on the progress made during the forthcoming sessions of the preparatory committee and the problems revolving around the establishment of the ICC.

The IASC:

1) Welcomes the signing of the Rome Statute for an International Criminal Court (ICC)

2) Encourages countries to sign and ratify the Statute as soon as possible

3) Calls on all States taking part in the ICC Preparatory Commission process to safeguard the integrity of the Statute in its present form and to withstand all efforts to weaken the results achieved in Rome

4) Follows closely the negotiations on the ICC’s Rules of Procedure and Evidence and on the definition of elements of crime for the three core crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes

5) Recalls that the effectiveness and independence of the Court will depend on its financial stability and logistical support

6) Calls on all States to live up to their responsibility to protect civilian populations which have increasingly become targets in present day conflicts, and to ensure the full implementation of the Rome Statute for an ICC