Here are the key points about Ukraine’s ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC):

Ratification Details

Ukraine’s parliament ratified the Rome Statute on August 21, with 281 lawmakers voting in favor and 1 against.
The ratification will come into force 60 days after being received by the UN Secretary General.
Ukraine had signed the Rome Statute in 2000 but had not ratified it until now.

Caveat and Implications

The ratification includes a caveat that Ukraine will not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction over Ukrainian citizens for war crimes for 7 years after the ratification takes effect.
Despite this caveat, Ukraine has already allowed the ICC to investigate crimes committed in its territory, effectively recognizing the body’s jurisdiction.
The ratification is seen as a significant step towards Ukraine’s integration with the European Union (EU).

International Context

The Rome Statute has been ratified by 124 states, but Russia and the US have not ratified it (Russia signed but later withdrew its signature).
The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking Russian officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ukraine.

Significance of the Rome Statute

The Rome Statute is the first international criminal law to recognize forms of sexual violence, such as rape and sexual slavery, as distinct war crimes.
The statute aims to strengthen international justice and hold individuals accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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