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On 24 June 2011, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-moon, received from the government of Tunisia its instruments of accession to the Rome Statute, governing treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Statute will enter into force for Tunisia on 1 September 2011, bringing the total number of States Parties to the Rome Statute to 116.
The ICC welcomes Tunisia’s accession as a decision to join the international community’s efforts to put an end to impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of international concern – genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and aggression – which threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world.
Tunisia, 32nd African State to join the ICC system, is the first North African country and the fourth member of the League of Arab States to become party to the Rome Statute. Its accession highlights the ICC’s role as a key actor in the field of international criminal justice at a time of dynamic changes for the region.
In his statement, the President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, Ambassador Christian Wenaweser, commended Tunisia’s decision as an expression of commitment to the rule of law and the country’s future. He added, “Tunisia’s accession to the Rome Statute is also a testament of the profound changes brought about by the ‘Arab Spring’, which started in Tunisia. It fulfills a central demand of peoples everywhere for societies guided by clear rules and the principle of equality before the law.”
The Arab States have made long-term, valuable contributions to the ICC, in both the negotiation process that led to the establishment of the Court, and in their current, constructive dialogue and cooperation with the ICC. Tunisia’s accession underscores the mutual support between the Arab region and the ICC, and sets an example for more States from the region to join the Rome Statute.
Statement by the President of the Assembly of States Parties, Ambassador Christian Wenaweser: English, Français, عربي, Español
For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Associate Legal Outreach Officer, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or by e-mail at: [email protected].
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