To achieve sustainable peace, we consider the widespread ratification of the Kampala Amendments a key issue. Not only by outlawing acts of aggression but also by effectively prosecuting responsible leaders we can foster justice and peace around the globe.
On 21 September 2017, the International Day of Peace, the Platform launched a global advocacy campaign. By sending letters to States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court we called upon States Parties to activate the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court over the crime of aggression.
The letter campaign finished at the 16th session of the Assembly of States Parties which took place in New York from 4 to 14 December 2017. The Assembly of States Parties is the management oversight and legislative body of the International Criminal Court. It is composed of representatives of the States that have ratified and acceded to the Rome Statute but also observer States not being State Parties to the Rome Statute.
The agenda for the 16th session of the Assembly included among others election of new judges or activation of the Court’s jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. In the resolution on the activation of the jurisdiction of the Court over the crime of aggression, the Assembly recognised the historic significance of the consensual decision at the Kampala Review Conference to adopt the amendments to the Rome Statute and decided to activate the Court’s jurisdiction as of 17 July 2018.
During the Assembly our team approached various delegates and participants, exchanged views and discussed various pressing issues in international criminal justice and encouraged States Parties to ratify the Kampala Amendments.
As of February 2021, 40 States Parties have ratifications registered with the Depositary of the Rome Statute.