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Ethiopia:
Urge the government of Ethiopia to accede the Rome Statute of the ICC


Greater support for the International Criminal Court in Africa is crucial for the growing global fight against impunity and for the defense of fundamental human rights.

The Coalition for the International Criminal Court and its members are calling on Ethiopia to take a major step forward in its commitment to international justice and the rule of law by acceding to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as soon as possible.

The Rome Statute came into force in July 2002 and now has the support of more than half of the world’s nations. Nearly 100 states have now acceded to or ratified the treaty – including 27 African countries – and 139 are signatories.

By acceding to the Rome Statute as soon as possible, Ethiopia will help Africa gain a stronger voice within the world of global justice and also help the continent participate more meaningfully in making the ICC a truly effective, truly international mechanism for justice and peace.

Take action now!

Support the CICC’s appeal by sending letters by mail or fax urging the government of Ethiopia to accede the Rome Statute and implement it into national law

You might like to use the following letter as a guide.
Send your letter to:

H. E. Ato Seyoum Mesfin
Foreign Minister of Ethiopia
P. O. Box 393
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Fax: ++251 - 1 - 51 43 00

Email: [email protected]

Your Excellency:

I am writing to urge Ethiopia’s accession to the International Criminal Court (ICC) treaty as soon as possible. At a time when the ICC is beginning its important work to end impunity for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes with its first cases in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan, Ethiopia’s accession would signal your country’s support for this new and vital system of international justice. In addition, it would also allow Ethiopia to become part of the ever-growing worldwide movement behind the Court which now includes the majority of countries around the globe – 99 countries to date – that have ratified or acceded to the ICC’s treaty, the Rome Statute.

With the historic milestone of 100 States Parties to the ICC just within reach, it is with utmost urgency that I ask you to ensure Ethiopia’s prompt accession to the ICC treaty. In light of the African Union’s growing support for the Rome Statute and given Ethiopia’s role in serving as the headquarters of the African Union, I urge you to demonstrate your support for international justice by joining not only with the majority of the countries of the world but also with the majority of African countries – which, following Kenya’s ratification of the ICC treaty in March 2005, now total 27 – who have become party to this crucial global treaty.

I strongly believe that Ethiopia plays an important regional role in Africa and share the view that the new system of international justice represented by the International Criminal Court is a vital tool that will guarantee that the most serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law will no longer go unpunished. With increased ratifications in Africa, the region will not only gain stronger voice within the world of global justice, but will also be able to participate more meaningfully in making the ICC a truly effective, truly international mechanism for justice and peace.

Yours sincerely;