EU Project Pravo-Justice welcomes the decision of the President of Ukraine to submit a draft law to the Verkhovna Rada to ratify the Rome Statute

EU Project Pravo-Justice welcomes the decision of the President of Ukraine to submit a draft law to the Verkhovna Rada to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. This has been a much-awaited development and is a sign of Ukraine’s strong commitment to international law, peace and security.

Ratification of the Rome Statute and national implementation of its provision into Ukrainian legislation will be a strong step and a Ukraine’s contribution towards ending impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious international crimes, ensuring accountability for their commission and an expression of solidarity with the victims of such crimes. It will also help Ukraine achieve the highest international standards of justice.

Moreover, full accession to the ICC will provide Ukraine with additional opportunities to use the ICC's tools, participate in the Court’s governance, take part in the elections of the ICC Prosecutor, Head of the Registry and Judges, and use the Court’s resources to develop national capacity. Ukrainian citizens, who became victims of international crimes, would be able to have access to the ICC Trust Fund for Victims.

Ratification of the Rome Statute and national implementation of its provisions will also be a one more step towards the attainment of Ukraine’s obligations on the path of EU integration.

EU Project Pravo-Justice has been supporting Ukrainian authorities in accelerating the rule of law transformations in line with European standards and comparative practices. We will continue working closely with our beneficiaries in enhancing their capacities to ensure accountability for international crimes.