New offences for International Criminal Court
Joint media release - Foreign Minister Stephen Smith and Attorney-General Robert McClelland
12 June 2010
The Australian Government today welcomed international agreement on measures that will allow the International Criminal Court (ICC) to try individuals for the crime of aggression. The Review Conference of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court adopted the amendment at a two week meeting in Kampala, Uganda.
The amendments will ensure that individuals responsible for acts of aggression in manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations can be prosecuted by the ICC. This result represents the culmination of international efforts to define the crime of aggression since the Second World War.
The Australian Government today also welcomed the addition of three new war crimes to the jurisdiction of the ICC. The new crimes add: the use of poison and poisoned weapons; asphyxiating poisonous and other gases; and expanding bullets to the Court's jurisdiction.
The use of these weapons will be a war crime regardless of whether they are used in an international armed conflict or an armed conflict within a State.
Australia is a strong supporter of the ICC and recognises its pivotal role in prosecuting serious crimes of concern to the international community.
As part of Australia's ongoing commitment to international criminal justice, the Government has committed an additional $210,000 to support the important work of the Court, including:
- $140,000 to the Trust Fund for Victims, which will assist victims of grave crimes to rebuild their lives and livelihoods; and
- $70,000 to enable developing countries to attend and fully participate in future meetings of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute.
Approximately 2000 representatives of States, non-governmental organisations and intergovernmental organisations gathered in Kampala for the Review Conference.
Media inquiries
- Media Contact (AGO): Adam Siddique 0407 473 630