Bangladesh Ratification Of The Rome Statute Is Befitting Tribute To Victims Of 1971
Bangladesh Must Deposit Instrument Of Ratification Before 1 April, 2010
Odhikar congratulates the government for Ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) today. The
Rome Statute was adopted by the international community on 17 July 1998 and Bangladesh signed it on 16 September 1999.
The ICC acts on three major crimes genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity when States are incapable or
unwilling to prosecute. The ICC is the first permanent international criminal court and considered as the most
significant institution for justice, peace and security after the creation of United Nations. ICC is independent of UN.
The government’s decision to ratify culminates the campaign against genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity
waged by the people of Bangladesh since 1971. Today, Bangladesh has demonstrated its commitment to international justice
and no impunity for international crimes.
As a State Party to the Rome Statute, Bangladesh would now join the Review Conference of the Rome Statute in May in
Kampala, Uganda, where the crime of aggression will be defined and adopted. Bangladesh should ensure effective
participation in defining this important crime.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh should formally deposit the “Instrument of Ratification” to UN Secretary General’s office before 1
April 2010. To effectively cooperate with the ICC, Bangladesh also has to ratify the Agreement on Privileges and
Immunities of the International Criminal Court (APIC).
DR. C R Abrar, President
Adilur Rahman Khan, Secretary
ENDS