What was the result of the 1998 Rome treaty?

At the end of the six-week Rome Diplomatic Conference for an International Criminal Court, on July 17, 1998, 120 countries (including virtually all of the United States’ allies) voted in favor of the Treaty containing the Statute for an International Criminal Court.

Who can sue at ICC?

Personal Jurisdiction The ICC can only investigate and prosecute “natural persons” who are over the age of 18. The ICC cannot investigate or prosecute governments, corporations, political parties, or rebel movements, but may investigate individuals who are members of groups.

Which countries are not party to the Rome Statute?

The US is not a state party to the Rome Statute. The US participated in the negotiations that led to the creation of the court. However, in 1998 the US was one of only seven countries – along with China, Iraq, Israel, Libya, Qatar, and Yemen – that voted against the Rome Statute.

Is China a signatory to the Rome Statute?

Despite the noteworthy contributions to the Rome Stat- ute (‘ICCSt’) negotiations, China has not yet signed the Statute nor has she expressed an intention to do so in the near future. Rather, China observes the activities of the Court, assessing how membership could serve her inter- ests and what the risks would be.

Why did China not join the ICC?

China has concerns about the openness of the ICC to political influence since any prosecutor can make the decision to start an investigation. They are also against the fact that the court has the power to judge whether a state is able or willing to prosecute its own nationals.

Can the US be prosecuted for war crimes?

There is a legal body specifically set up to prosecute cases of genocide, war crimes and other serious international crimes. It’s the International Criminal Court, or ICC. But here’s the rub. The U.S. does not recognize the jurisdiction of this legal body.