Sir, - Nearly one year ago, on July 17th, 1998, by adopting the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the world community took an historic step in advancing the rule of law in international affairs, and toward an age-old goal to end impunity for the most serious international crimes. By a vote of 120 in favour and only seven against, the world's nations agreed to establish the ICC, which will be the first permanent, independent judicial body for trying individuals accused of crimes of the greatest concern to mankind: genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
By participating constructively in the negotiations to create an ICC, by voting in favour of the treaty in Rome, and by taking an early decision to sign the treaty, the Government of Ireland has exercised important leadership in the cause of international justice, of which the citizens of Ireland should be very proud.
Few believed that what was achieved in Rome was possible. And there are powerful nations and forces which do not support the ICC treaty and which would like to "slay" or postpone or revise the treaty. War crimes and crimes against humanity are continuing to occur in nearly every region of the world, resulting in unbearable suffering and intolerable costs.
Ratification of the ICC treaty is now the next step. Eighty-two have signed the treaty. Sixty national governments and parliaments must formally ratify the treaty, which will require in many nations extraordinary enabling legislation. We, the Coalition for an International Criminal Court, a network of over 800 international law, humanitarian, human rights, women's, religious, victims', peace, children's and other citizens' groups from around the world campaigning for the establishment of a just, fair and effective ICC, urge citizens of Ireland to contact their parliamentary and government leaders and encourage them to commerce and complete the process of ratification as soon as possible.
It is vital that the forces of war and extreme nationalism are not allowed to prevent the establishment of this great new tool of peace for the next century. - Yours, etc.,
William R. Pace, Convenor, UN Plaza, New York.