Ukraine votes to join ICC as it seeks to bring Russia to justice

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Ukraine’s parliament has voted to join the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Parliament voted to ratify the Rome Statute, which paves the way for full membership of the ICC.

Why this move?

Ukraine hopes that ICC will help to ensure accountability for all Russian atrocities committed in the course of Russian aggression.
Last year, the court had issued arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and Russian-controlled territory.
Ukraine signed the Rome Statute in 2000, but had not ratified it, out of fears that Ukrainian soldiers could face prosecution.
Full membership of the ICC also advances Ukraine’s aspiration to eventually join the European Union.

About ICC:

The International Criminal Court (ICC), located in The Hague, is the court of last resort for prosecution of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
It is the first permanent, treaty based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.
Its founding treaty, the Rome Statute, entered into force on July 1, 2002.
Funding: Although the Court’s expenses are funded primarily by States Parties, it also receives voluntary contributions from governments, international organisations, individuals, corporations and other entities.

Composition and voting power:

The Court’s management oversight and legislative body, the Assembly of States Parties, consists of one representative from each state party.
Each state party has one vote and “every effort” has to be made to reach decisions by consensus. If consensus cannot be reached, decisions are made by vote.
The Assembly is presided over by a president and two vice-presidents, who are elected by the members to three-year terms.