According to political scientist Petro Oleshchuk, the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court will help Ukraine more effectively “catch up” with Russia for war crimes. This is a crucial step for Ukraine in seeking justice and accountability for the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The Rome Statute, adopted in 1998, established the International Criminal Court (ICC) as the first permanent international criminal court to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Ukraine signed the Rome Statute in 2000, but did not ratify it until 2017, under pressure from the international community. However, Russia has consistently refused to ratify the statute, which would give the ICC jurisdiction over its actions in Crimea and Donbas.
In an interview with Ukrainian news outlet Hromadske, Oleshchuk stated that the ratification of the Rome Statute is crucial for Ukraine to hold Russia accountable for its actions in the ongoing conflict. He emphasized that the ICC has the power to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for war crimes, including Russian officials and military personnel.
One of the main benefits of ratifying the Rome Statute is that it allows Ukraine to refer the situation in Crimea and Donbas to the ICC. This means that the ICC can investigate and prosecute individuals for crimes committed on Ukrainian territory, even if they are not Ukrainian citizens. This is particularly important as Russia continues to deny its involvement in the conflict and refuses to cooperate with international investigations.
Furthermore, the ratification of the Rome Statute sends a strong message to Russia that Ukraine is committed to seeking justice for the victims of the conflict. It also shows the international community that Ukraine is taking concrete steps towards holding Russia accountable for its actions. This is especially important as the conflict in Donbas has resulted in the deaths of over 13,000 people and continues to have a devastating impact on the region.
Oleshchuk also highlighted the importance of the ICC’s jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. This means that the ICC can hold individuals accountable for acts of aggression, such as the annexation of Crimea by Russia. By ratifying the Rome Statute, Ukraine is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate acts of aggression and will seek justice for any violations of international law.
Moreover, the ratification of the Rome Statute will also have a positive impact on Ukraine’s international image. It demonstrates Ukraine’s commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law, which are crucial values for any democratic country. It also shows that Ukraine is willing to work with the international community to address issues of global concern, such as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In addition, the ratification of the Rome Statute will have a deterrent effect on potential perpetrators of war crimes in Ukraine. It sends a strong message that those responsible for such crimes will be held accountable, regardless of their nationality or position of power. This can help prevent future atrocities from occurring and contribute to the overall stability and security of the region.
However, the ratification of the Rome Statute alone is not enough to ensure justice for the victims of the conflict in Ukraine. Oleshchuk emphasized the need for Ukraine to also strengthen its domestic legal system and improve its cooperation with the ICC. This includes providing the necessary resources and support for domestic investigations and prosecutions, as well as ensuring the safety and protection of witnesses and victims.
In conclusion, the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court is a crucial step for Ukraine in seeking justice and accountability for the ongoing conflict with Russia. It will allow Ukraine to refer the situation in Crimea and Donbas to the ICC and hold individuals responsible for war crimes and acts of aggression. Moreover, it sends a strong message to the international community that Ukraine is committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law. However, it is important for Ukraine to also strengthen its domestic legal system and cooperate with the ICC to ensure justice for the victims of the conflict.
