The federal
government of Nigeria has iterated its commitment to the International Criminal
Court (ICC) at a time when other African countries have left the tribunal.
The Ministry
of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria has no intention to leave the court, which it
said represents the hope and aspirations of millions of people.
“Nigeria, as a party to the Rome Statute, believes that the court represents an international mechanism for ensuring justice for
all,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jane Adams said in a statement in the capital Abuja on Thursday, November 3, 2016.
She said:
“Nigeria remains a signatory to the Rome Statute adopted on 17 July 1998 and
which entered into force in July 1, 2002. Nigeria deposited its instrument on
27 September, 2001.
“Many members
States of The UN, not just Africans are not yet signatories and state parties
of the statute.
“Though non
membership does not protect anyone from prosecution by the court as the UN
Security Council can refer cases to the Court the time has however come to call
on all member states who have not yet signed the Rome Statute to consider
becoming signatories to the statute.
“It is only by
working together that we can ensure that the court effectively performs its
functions and serves humanity faithfully.”
The statement
comes days after Gambia, South Africa and Burundi announced their withdrawal,
claiming, among other things, that the court was biased towards African
countries.
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