The ICC is empowered to prosecutes grave offences like genocide and crimes against humanity.
Amid its conflict with Russia, the Ukraine’s parliament voted on Wednesday to join the International Criminal Court.
This comes as Kyiv hopes to bring Russia to justice over alleged war crimes amid invasion of Ukraine.
The ICC is empowered to prosecutes grave offences like genocide and crimes against humanity.
It can also issue arrest warrants within the jurisdiction of its 124-member countries, that which they are obliged to execute.
It would be recalled that Ukraine had earlier signed the Rome Statute that founded the court in 2000.
This was however not ratified, due to some political and military figures nursing fears that Ukrainian soldiers could face prosecution.
Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba called Wednesday’s move “historic” after Parliament adopted the ratification of the statute.
“Today, the Ukrainian Parliament ratified the Rome Statute. Ukraine has become the 125th member of the International Criminal Court @IntlCrimCourt.”
“This has been a long journey full of challenges, myths, and fears. None of them have been true. And today, we are finally there, thanks to President @ZelenskyyUA's leadership, years of systemic work by the Foreign Ministry and other institutions, and the will of Ukrainian parliamentarians.”
“By taking this step, Ukraine demonstrates its unwavering commitment to strengthening international justice. Ukraine has already worked effectively with the ICC to ensure comprehensive accountability for all Russian atrocities committed in the course of Russian aggression. This work will now be even more effective.”
He noted that with the ratification of the Rome Statute, Ukraine also took another significant step toward joining the EU.
“ I am grateful to all of my colleagues in the Ukrainian government, Prosecutor General @AndriyKostinUa, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office @IrynaRMudra, Verkhovna Rada Chairperson @R_Stefanchuk, and all MPs who helped make this historic decision.” he posted on X (formerly twitter).
The ratification controversially included a reference to Article 124 of the Rome Statute, which would exempt Ukrainian citizens from being prosecuted for war crimes for seven years, ruling party lawmaker Yevgeniya Kravchuk said on Facebook.
“The ratification of the Rome Statute will simultaneously facilitate greater opportunities for punishing Russians and increase the isolation of Russia,” she said.