Urge the U.S. to Ratify the Rome Statute
- by: Taylor B.
- recipient: President Barack Obama
The Rome Statute created the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 1998. It became effective 1 July 2002. As of July 2009, 110 States have become Parties to the Statute, including almost all of Europe, Africa, and Oceania. The U.S. originally supported the Rome Statue but "unsigned" it in 2002, just as it was to become effective. The ICC is the only international court that can try individuals for grave human rights atrocities such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression. Without the signature of the U.S., not only does the U.S. stand unaccountable for their conduct but they also can not hold other citizens and leaders accountable. President Barack Obama's signature is a must!
We the people of the global community impart you to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court of 17 July 1998 (2002).
We are concerned over the number of instances of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes perpetrated with impunity. In the words of the Preamble to the Rome Statute, we are "mindful that during this century millions of children, women and men have been victims of unimaginable atrocities that deeply shock the conscience of humanity."
To ratify the Rome Statute is to promote international peace and justice. By becoming a State Party to the treaty, the United States makes forward steps toward gaining the world's trust and confidence, for it pledges not only its willingness to prosecute tyrants and criminals, but it also demonstrates a willingness to be judged for its own conduct and to abide by international laws.
Join the other 110 democratic States that have ratified the Rome Statute so that grave human rights abuses will not go unpunished. Without your signature, the enforcement of human rights is undermined. Your signature also promotes the spread and strengthening of democratic institutions that will prevent all members of the global community from committing egregious inter- and intra-state human rights abuses.
Thank you, Mr. President.
