- United States
- Md.
- Letter
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent statement asserting that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has no jurisdiction in certain situations and that there is no support for its investigation. As a constituent/citizen deeply committed to justice and accountability, I find this stance troubling and contrary to the principles of international law.
The ICC's jurisdiction is not contingent upon the ratification of the Rome Statute by any particular nation. This fact has been underscored by recent developments, such as the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants for individuals involved in the Ukraine War, despite Russia's non-ratification of the Rome Statute. If the ICC can rightfully pursue justice in one instance, it must do so consistently in all cases where egregious violations of international law occur.
It is imperative to recognize that the ICC is an independent body established to hold individuals accountable for the most heinous crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Its mandate is rooted in the principle that no individual, regardless of their position or nationality, is above the law.
Recent reports of mass graves outside Palestinian hospitals serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need for impartial investigations into alleged war crimes. These reports represent only the tip of the iceberg, underscoring the necessity of an independent and thorough examination of the situation.
It is not sufficient to rely solely on national governments to investigate themselves and declare their innocence of war crimes. The very purpose of the ICC is to provide a mechanism for impartial and comprehensive investigations when national systems fail to deliver justice.
I urge you to reconsider the stance on the ICC and to support its efforts to uphold justice and accountability on the global stage. Upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for atrocities is not only a moral imperative but also essential for fostering lasting peace and stability.
