NEWS: Crime of Aggression amendments enter into force

 

Crime of Aggression amendments enter into force: On 8 May 2013, the Kampala Amendments on the Crime of Aggression entered into force for the first State, Liechtenstein.

As they were adopted under article 121(5) of the Statute, the Crime of Aggression amendments enter into force for each ratifying State one year after the deposit of the instrument of ratification with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Liechtenstein deposited its instrument of ratification on 8 May 2012, the 67th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

Those interested in the legal fine print should make sure to distinguish entry into force and activation: The amendments have now entered into force for the first State Party. Next, the amendments need to be activated through the procedure contained in the amendments (which require 30 ratifications and a one-time activation decision by States Parties no earlier than 1 January 2017). It is thus not correct to state that the amendments will only enter into force in 2017! They have just entered into force, as can be seen on the SG’s depositary notification. But the Court can only exercise its jurisdiction over the crime of aggression once this jurisdiction is activated as described above.

For more details, have a look at our Handbook.

Photo: Liechtenstein’s Ambassador Christian Wenaweser presents a copy of the Travaux Preparatoires of the Kampala Amendments on the Crime of Aggression to Patricia O’Brien, Legal Counsel of the United Nations. © United Nations / Win Khine