Originally published on the CGS blog on June 11, 2010.
By: Ariela Blatter
It’s a historic moment here in Kampala, Uganda. Japan, after making the following statement against the adoption of the crime of aggression, stands aside to allow all other 84 states to move forward with. Therefore, the Court now has a definition of aggression, and a clear explanation of how to prosecute these crimes- but those eagerly awaiting the prospect of ending impunity for engaging in illegal war will have to wait seven more years and see if this was the right decision.
Japan (paraphrased): Japan had been promoting a ICC that can act with total confidence of international community. It is my sad duty to inform you that the draft resolution you are posing now does not live up to consensus you are presenting. This delegation continues to have serous doubts as to the legal intergrity of the text. This resolution would undermine the Rome Statute and all it represents. It would cause a difficulty in our relationship with the ICC. We have concerns with this draft resoution, we have a serious problem with Article 15.5 (application to non-state parties) because it unjustifiably justifies aggressive acts of nationals of non-states parties. It is with a heavy heart that I declare if all the other delegations are prepared to stand by this, Japan will not stand in way of consensus.
The draft resolution on the definition of the crime of aggression is now adopted by consensus!
Learn more at www.usaforicc.org
