Friday
Feb132009
Crime of Aggression: Update from the President of States Parties for the International Criminal Court
Friday, February 13, 2009 at 1:49PM
Mr. Christian Wenaweser, Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein and President of the States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) briefed reporters on the conclusion of the Special Working Group on the Crime of Aggression. Crime of aggression was defined as "an act which means the use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of another State."
Mr. Wenaweser explained the working group looked mainly at including in the Court's proceedings on individual criminal responsibility. The goal being to allow the Court to "exercise jurisdiction over the crime of aggression on the basis of the Security Council referral."
He stated that "aggression is an act committed by a state onto others in the state. It can happen as an act by someone or some entity who is in a leadership position."
Other issues:
The Secretary General's (SG) board of inquiry has finished its review of the incidents that occurred in Gaza at the end of December through end of January 2009. The board will travel to Gaza on February 19th, and report to the SG upon completion of its mission. A land mine clearance group has noticed a large number of cluster bombs gathered in Gaza City. The UNDP (Development Program) estimates that over 14,000 homes were totally or partially damaged due to the conflict. Of the more than 400 schools, 60 percent have been damaged. On Zimbabwe, the WHO said the recent outbreak of cholera included over 70,000 cases with over 3,500 deaths. Risk of flooding is also making medical access to some areas difficult.
Today, the President of the UN Human Rights Council gave an update on the universal periodic review to address the human rights situation and the current financial and economic crisis. He also spoke of a fact finding mission in Gaza, and expressed his intention of adding additional experts in the region. Go to: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/specialsession/9/index.htm.
Zahir Tanin, Representative to the UN for Afghanistan highlighted the need for change. Ambassador Tanin has been following the Security Council process of reform. "Instead of competition there are now negotiations and compromises." As for the implementation of the democratization of the United Nations, he stated swift actions have been taken. On 19-29 January, the debate on UN reforms were wrapped up and a plan drawn on how to move toward more effective negotiations. We are going to now circulate the work plan to member states beforehand and to get started on the negotiations. "As I represent Afghanistan, we are well aware of the need for peace and prosperity."
video on website.
Mr. Wenaweser explained the working group looked mainly at including in the Court's proceedings on individual criminal responsibility. The goal being to allow the Court to "exercise jurisdiction over the crime of aggression on the basis of the Security Council referral."
He stated that "aggression is an act committed by a state onto others in the state. It can happen as an act by someone or some entity who is in a leadership position."
Other issues:
The Secretary General's (SG) board of inquiry has finished its review of the incidents that occurred in Gaza at the end of December through end of January 2009. The board will travel to Gaza on February 19th, and report to the SG upon completion of its mission. A land mine clearance group has noticed a large number of cluster bombs gathered in Gaza City. The UNDP (Development Program) estimates that over 14,000 homes were totally or partially damaged due to the conflict. Of the more than 400 schools, 60 percent have been damaged. On Zimbabwe, the WHO said the recent outbreak of cholera included over 70,000 cases with over 3,500 deaths. Risk of flooding is also making medical access to some areas difficult.
Today, the President of the UN Human Rights Council gave an update on the universal periodic review to address the human rights situation and the current financial and economic crisis. He also spoke of a fact finding mission in Gaza, and expressed his intention of adding additional experts in the region. Go to: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/specialsession/9/index.htm.
Zahir Tanin, Representative to the UN for Afghanistan highlighted the need for change. Ambassador Tanin has been following the Security Council process of reform. "Instead of competition there are now negotiations and compromises." As for the implementation of the democratization of the United Nations, he stated swift actions have been taken. On 19-29 January, the debate on UN reforms were wrapped up and a plan drawn on how to move toward more effective negotiations. We are going to now circulate the work plan to member states beforehand and to get started on the negotiations. "As I represent Afghanistan, we are well aware of the need for peace and prosperity."
video on website.
Reader Comments (1)
This conflict needs to be put into perspective. I'll use California as an example, because that's where I am. Adapt this perspective to your own area. What if Britain had agreed to give half of California to the Zionists for them to establish a "Jewish State"? Take note that prior to UN involvement the Zionist's stated goal included all of California plus Nevada. Would Californians have agreed to the UN partitioning their land even if Nevada got to keep theirs? What if we didn't and the Zionists took it by force anyway? What if when we resisted we were bombed by an advanced military, and then labeled as "terrorists" for fighting back? What if the world sat back and just let it happen? The high mountain desert where I am would be our occupied West Bank, and LA our war torn Gaza strip. How would you explain sanctions and occupation to your kids? What if a nation like America funded and supported it? How do you explain that? What about the displaced people from San Fransisco, Sacramento, etc, do they ever get to go home? Who would your kids blame for all of the undue hardships in their lives?
I wish for the best for all the Jewish people, but not at someone else's expense. Israel's identity as a "Jewish State" can not take priority over justice. It's time for the world to stand up for Palestine, for justice, and the 'Right of Return'. Peace comes first, it is the only possible path, the rhetoric has to end and the correct conditions created. To move forward, peace and security for all the people is the only correct answer. It's time to set things straight, and make sure the whole situation is finally put into perspective. It's time for peace, and we're not backing down.