March 2, 2000
March 2, 2000
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Pinochet Decision Highlights Need for a
Permanent International Criminal CourtNew York – Today’s ruling on the Pinochet case underscores the urgent need for the U.S and others to support a permanent International Criminal Court.
"Current negotiations on the International Criminal Court treaty continue to offer the opportunity to create a permanent legal venue for dealing with future Pinochets," said Bruce Broomhall, International Justice Coordinator at Human Rights First.
The Preparatory Commission on the ICC will resume its negotiations in New York from March 13-31, 2000. The ICC statute was adopted at the Rome Diplomatic Conference on July 17, 1998. To date, 94 states have signed the Rome Statute, and many of these either have ratified or are preparing to ratify the Statute. The UK has signed and has committed itself to early ratification. Spain and Chile have also signed. Once 60 States have ratified, the ICC will have jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.