Over 25, 000 signatures submitted to government demanding ratification of the Rome Statute
Nepal government said it is positive to get the Rome Statute of International Criminal Court (ICC) ratified. Meeting with a delegation of Amnesty International (AI) Nepal on 6 November 2011 at his office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Narayankaji Shrestha repeated that commitment of Nepal government as by the previous government Ministers. Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha further said that the government is committed to end every form of impunities flourishing in the country and improve the situation of human rights inside the country. He also assured that the incumbent government would hold required discussions with all concerned parties and move ahead.
The delegation led by AI Nepal’s General Secretary Rashmila Bhochhibhoya also handed over more than 25,000 signed letters demanding accession of the Rome Statue. AI Nepal had launched a letter writing Action in May this year and it collected signatures across the countries in support of local AI Group and Youth Networks.
Secretary General Bhhochhibhoya highlighted about the urgency of accessing on the Rome Statute and concern of AI Nepal on it.
During the meeting, AI Nepal underlined the importance of accession of the Statute to deliver justice through International Court, as impunity was mounting in the country during the ongoing transitional period.
By ratifying, the government would accept the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and prosecute future crimes (committed after ratification), if Nepal’s authorities or courts are unable or unwilling to do so.
AI Nepal’s delegation was comprises of Advisors Krishna Kandel and Lokesh Dhakal, Deputy General Secretary Rajan Kuinkel, Treasurer Surya Bahadur Adhikari, National Executive Committee Member Pratap Poudel and Campaign Officer Bhola Bhattarai.
Altogether 119 nations have already ratified the Rome Statute. In South Asia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and the Maldives have ratified it.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent tribunal, which prosecutes individuals responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crime of aggression. The court, established on July 17, 1998 in Rome, was formally established in the Hague, the Netherlands.
In 2006, Nepal’s parliament unanimously adopted a resolution urging the government to ratify the Rome Statute. However, no action has been taken so far despite of repeated public commitment of sitting government.