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We call to end the impunity by delivering justice to the victims on the occasion of the International Day of Justice when Rome Statute was passed for the establishment of the International Criminal Court.International justice day, July 17, is remembered to honour the international commitments on human rights and to remind the government to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. In addition, concerns are being shared for the accountability of the efforts made to ensure justice and further procedure in the case of serious human rights violations happened in the past.

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court was opened for ratification by the state on July 17, 1998. This statute has been ratified by 123 states of the world. Nineteen countries of Asia have joined the Rome Statute till date. Nepal has not become a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

The International Criminal Court established by the Rome Statute holds the accountability of those responsible for serious crimes like war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity as per the international law and ensures justice for victims. The establishment of the International Criminal Court does not interfere or reduce the jurisdiction of the national court. The state must ratify the Rome Statute to end impunity and protect and promote human rights.

We would like to recall the period when the reinstated House of Representatives had passed the resolution unanimously by issuing a directive order to the Government of Nepal for ratification of the Rome Statute on July 25, 2006. We would also like to draw attention of the Government of Nepal to implement the recommendations received during the Universal Periodic Review several times regarding the ratification of the Rome Statute. On January 13, 2009, the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Upendra Yadav, had presented the agenda of the immediate ratification of the Rome Statute to the Council of Ministers. Recalling it, INSEC urges the Government of Nepal to respect the international law and mechanism established for justice by ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Dr. Indira Shrestha
Chairperson