Bahrain urged to ratify Rome Statute
Published: 7th January 2007
THE Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) has called on Bahrain to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to demonstrate its full commitment to international justice and the fight against impunity.
The coalition, an international coalition of more than 2,000 non-governmental and civil society organisations, sent a letter to His Majesty King Hamad welcoming statements by the Foreign Ministry in favour of ratification.
The letter urged the government to transfer the draft bill on ratification to parliament at the earliest.
Bahrain urged to ratify Rome Statute
Published: 7th January 2007
THE Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) has called on Bahrain to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to demonstrate its full commitment to international justice and the fight against impunity.
The coalition, an international coalition of more than 2,000 non-governmental and civil society organisations, sent a letter to His Majesty King Hamad welcoming statements by the Foreign Ministry in favour of ratification.
The letter urged the government to transfer the draft bill on ratification to parliament at the earliest.
Noting Bahrain’s election to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council, the letter highlighted that ratification of the Rome Statute at this time would embody the country’s “commitment towards replacing the culture of impunity with one of respect for and protection of human rights”.
Commenting on the launch of the ratification campaign in Bahrain, Bahraini Coalition for the ICC executive co-ordinator Nasser Burdestani said the time had come for Bahrain to be part of ICC, especially in light of the positive steps taken by the government of Bahrain after being elected to the Human Rights Council.
“We believe Bahrain can take the lead in opening a new era in our region, an era of justice and peace,” he said.
“The fact that we in Bahrain do not suffer from such grave crimes that are within the court’s jurisdiction should facilitate the process of ratification without any reservations.”
With 104 members more than half of the world’s countries have joined the ICC – the world’s first permanent court capable of trying individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
While 11 Arab and Middle East countries, including Bahrain, signed the Rome Statute – the Arab world remains poorly represented at the Court.
To date, only three Arab states, Jordan, Djibouti and most recently Comoros, have joined the court.
Citing the important role that Bahrain plays in the region and the domino effect, Yemen-based CICC Co-ordinator for the Middle East and North Africa Amal Basha said Bahrain’s ratification could have impact among the neighbouring Gulf countries in particular.
“We believe that Bahrain could serve as a real catalyst by ratifying as soon as possible,” she said.
“It would provide a serious boost to the growing world movement to ensure accountability for the worst violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.”
© Gulf Daily News
