Daily Current Affairs : 4-October-2023
In a significant move, the Armenian parliament recently voted to join the International Criminal Court (ICC), reinforcing its commitment to global justice and accountability. This decision follows the indictment of Russian President Vladimir Putin by Armenia earlier in the year for war crimes related to the deportation of children from Ukraine. This essay explores Armenia’s motivation behind joining the ICC, the role and functions of the ICC, and the significance of international cooperation in ensuring justice.
Armenia’s Concerns and Motivations
Armenian officials assert that their decision to join the ICC is not directly related to the indictment of President Putin but stems from Azerbaijan’s aggression against their country. This move signifies Armenia’s determination to seek justice and hold accountable those responsible for crimes committed on its soil, underscoring the importance of international legal mechanisms in addressing aggression and atrocities.
The International Criminal Court: An Overview
Establishment and Mandate
The ICC, established in 2002, plays a crucial role in holding individuals accountable for the gravest crimes of international concern, including genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. With its headquarters in The Hague, the Netherlands, the ICC operates in six official languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.
Complementarity and Cooperation
A fundamental principle of the ICC is complementarity, which means it complements national criminal systems and steps in when states are unwilling or unable to genuinely prosecute crimes. Despite lacking its own enforcement body, the ICC relies on global cooperation for support. While not a part of the United Nations, the ICC has a cooperation agreement with the UN, enabling it to collaborate effectively on matters of international concern.
Jurisdiction and Referral
The ICC’s jurisdiction extends to situations where genocide, crimes against humanity, or war crimes occurred after July 1, 2002. The court can exercise jurisdiction if the crimes were committed by a State Party national or within a State Party’s territory. Additionally, the United Nations Security Council can refer situations to the ICC under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, granting the court jurisdiction. This mechanism has been utilized in cases such as Darfur (Sudan) and Libya.
States Parties and Challenges
Currently, there are 123 countries party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. However, approximately forty countries, including China, India, Iraq, North Korea, and Turkey, never signed the treaty. Several other nations, such as Russia, the United States, and Syria, signed the statute but did not ratify it, posing challenges to the court’s universality.
Funding and Sustainability
The ICC’s expenses are primarily funded by States Parties, ensuring financial support for its operations. Additionally, the court can receive voluntary contributions, ensuring its sustainability and ability to function effectively in the pursuit of justice.
Important Points:
- Armenia’s Decision to Join ICC:
- Armenian parliament voted to join the International Criminal Court (ICC).
- Indicted Russian President Putin for war crimes connected to deportation of children from Ukraine.
- Decision motivated by Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia, indicating the country’s commitment to global justice.
- International Criminal Court (ICC):
- Established in 2002 to address grave crimes: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression.
- Headquarters: The Hague, the Netherlands.
- Operates in six official languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.
- Complementarity principle: ICC complements national systems, stepping in when states are unwilling or unable to prosecute genuinely.
- Relies on global cooperation, including a cooperation agreement with the United Nations.
- Jurisdiction includes crimes committed after July 1, 2002, and can be referred by the UN Security Council.
- States Parties and Challenges:
- 123 countries are party to the Rome Statute.
- Challenges: Some countries, including China, India, Iraq, North Korea, and Turkey, never signed the treaty. Others like Russia, the United States, and Syria signed but didn’t ratify it, posing universality challenges.
- Funding and Sustainability:
- ICC’s expenses funded primarily by States Parties.
- Can receive voluntary contributions, ensuring financial sustainability.
Why In News
The Armenian parliament, in a historic decision, recently voted to join the International Criminal Court, demonstrating their commitment to upholding justice on a global scale and ensuring accountability for international crimes.
MCQs about Armenia Joins ICC
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What prompted Armenia to join the International Criminal Court (ICC)?
A. Armenia’s indictment of Russian President Putin for war crimes related to Ukraine.
B. Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia.
C. Both A and B.
D. Armenia’s desire to enhance its diplomatic relations.
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What is the primary function of the International Criminal Court (ICC)?
A. Settling international disputes between countries.
B. Enforcing global trade agreements.
C. Holding individuals accountable for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
D. Promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
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How does the ICC handle cases in situations where national systems are unable or unwilling to prosecute crimes genuinely?
A. It intervenes without any referral.
B. It relies on global cooperation and steps in only when states are unwilling or unable to prosecute genuinely.
C. It contacts the United Nations for assistance.
D. It conducts investigations independently of national governments.
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What is a challenge faced by the ICC in terms of membership?
A. Lack of financial support from member countries.
B. Some countries never signed the Rome Statute, and others signed but didn’t ratify it.
C. Overreliance on a single global superpower for resources.
D. Insufficient awareness about the ICC’s jurisdiction.
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