Global Policy Forum

Andorra became the 30th state to ratify the Rome Statute, the treaty which will establish the first permanent International Criminal Court, capable of trying individuals for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, the NGO Coalition for an ICC announced today. Sixty ratifications are necessary for entry into force. As Foreign Minister Juli Minoves-Triquell deposited the instrument of ratification at the United Nations headquarters, he stated, "As head of the Andorran delegation at the Rome Diplomatic Conference in 1998, it is very moving and a great privilege for me to now hand over the instrument of ratification as my first official act as Foreign Minister of Andorra ."

At the ratification, Mr. William R. Pace, Convenor of the NGO Coalition for an International Criminal Court, representing over 1000 NGOs worldwide, said, "We would like to congratulate Andorra for completing its ratification of the Rome Statute which is already introducing a fundamentally strengthened system of national and international criminal justice throughout the world." Pace went on to remark that "the extraordinary rate of ratifications is surpassing the expectations of many experts. The fact that we are already at the halfway mark in bringing the treaty into force demonstrates an irreversible international commitment to ending impunity through the rule of law for the most serious crimes of international concern."

The Coalition has set an informal deadline of July 17th 2002 to reach the requisite 60 ratifications in time to celebrate the 4th year anniversary of the adoption of the treaty. Irune Aguirrezabal, the Coalition's European Coordinator, said, "While many could hardly believe it when the Rome Statute was adopted in 1998, the 30th ratification by Andorra is a significant signal that the ICC will be set up and running much earlier than expected. The glass is already 'half full' and many nations are working hard to ensure that it will soon be running over. Those still skeptical of the ICC should understand that the Statute does address their concerns and should join this universal effort."

The Coalition for an International Criminal Court was formed in 1995 to advocate for the creation of a fair, effective and independent International Criminal Court. It brings together a broad-based network of over 1000 non-governmental organizations and international law experts from every region of the world to foster awareness of and support for the Court.