The Assembly of States Parties (ASP) concluded its three-day special session held at United Nations Headquarters in New York, which was mandated to take place seven years after the activation of the Court's jurisdiction over the crime of aggression following the adoption of the definition of the crime of aggression and conditions for the Court’s exercise of jurisdiction at the Kampala Review conference in 2010. The Court’s jurisdiction over the crime of aggression was activated in 2018 by resolution ICC-ASP/16/Res.5, following the ratification of the Kampala amendments by 30 States Parties.
During the three-day special session, delegations exchanged views on the ratification, implementation and application of the Kampala amendments, exploring their practical implications and the evolving landscape of international criminal justice. Throughout the debates States Parties reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue and legal clarity on the crime of aggression and underscored their unwavering commitment to the Rome Statute system and the International Criminal Court. The Assembly adopted by consensus resolution ICC-ASP/S-1/Res.1, “The review of the crime of aggression” which underscored the commitment of the Assembly to the aim of strengthening the jurisdiction of the Court over the crime, with the convening of a Special Session on 2029 in New York to consider the proposal for amendment of deposited with the Secretary General in April 2025.
The President of the Assembly, Ambassador Päivi Kaukoranta, welcomed the constructive approach of all participants and commended their sustained commitment to the International Criminal Court and its effective functioning:
“I salute all States for their constructive engagement and their commitment to consensus decision making, a hallmark of the functioning of the Assembly of States Parties. I also applaud the strong commitment of all States to continue to work together towards strengthening the Rome Statute system towards its goal of providing protection to all victims of international crimes.”
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