Ukraine became a full party to the Rome Statute of the ICC
- Alisa Melik-Adamian
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16:54, 01 January, 2025
Ukraine has become the 125th state party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Starting from 1 January 2025, it will have the same rights as other states, i.e. it will become a full member of the court. In particular, it can participate in elections, propose amendments, etc.
As reported by Ukrinform, a blue and yellow Ukrainian flag was installed in the court building among the flags of the ICC member states.
«Ukraine officially becomes the 125th state party to the International Criminal Court on 1 January 2025. This means that it is now a full-fledged state party to this international treaty and has all the rights and obligations assigned to state parties. The most important among them is the right to vote when approving the budget, adopting changes and amendments to the Rome Statute, electing judges, the future prosecutor and his deputies, which to some extent helps shape the future of international criminal law», said the ICC spokesman Fadi el-Abdallah.
Having become a full member of the Rome Statute, Ukraine has the opportunity to participate in the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC, submit issues for its consideration, vote on the allocation of the ICC budget, participate in the election of judges and other elected officials, including the ICC Prosecutor, influence the priorities of the ICC and the development of amendments to the Rome Statute.
In December 2026, the Assembly of States Parties will elect new judges. Ukraine will be able to nominate its candidate and vote for others.
Ukraine's full participation in the ICC will facilitate access to the special ICC Trust Fund for Victims for Ukrainians who have suffered from Russian crimes.
As a reminder, on 17 March 2024, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children's Ombudsman Mariia Lvova-Belova.