Open Society Institute Cautions Against ICC Review Taking on Aggression

Over 40 civil society organizations, including the Open Society Institute, are urging International Criminal Court (ICC) member states to consider postponing the codification of the crime of aggression in the Rome Statute beyond the June 2010 Review Conference in Kampala.

A letter (attached below) sent to foreign ministers today highlights the complex issues surrounding ICC jurisdiction over the crime of aggression.  The current amendment proposal risks politicizing and overburdening the ICC, and undermining the integrity of the Rome Statute.

There still exists substantial disagreement on key aspects of the proposed crime. Rushing to a vote in Kampala risks undermining the cohesiveness of states parties that has been so essential to the Court's establishment and mission. Taking more time to strengthen the Court, to consider this matter further, and to achieve broader agreement on the outstanding issues will benefit the ICC in the long term.

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