Minister Dion to underscore importance of International Criminal Court
News Release
November 15, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced he will address states parties of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, on November 16, 2016.
Minister Dion will underscore the importance of the ICC and discuss ways in which states parties can strengthen the court. Minister Dion will meet with representatives of several parties to the ICC, as well as with the court’s president, to reiterate Canada’s commitment to strive for a court that is effective in holding to account those responsible for serious international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
Quotes
“Everyone has a right to justice and for her or his voice to be heard. We must not forget the thousands of children, women and men who have been victims of serious international crimes and for whom the court offers the only hope for justice; it is the court of last resort, and we should protect and strengthen it.”
- Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
- Canada was instrumental in the establishment of the ICC.
- On December 18, 1998, Canada was the 14th country to sign the Rome Statute of the ICC.
- On June 29, 2000, Canada enacted the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, becoming the first country in the world to adopt comprehensive legislation implementing the Rome Statute.
- The ICC is a court of last resort, with jurisdiction only when states are themselves unable or unwilling to investigate and prosecute serious international crimes at a national level.
Associated links
Contacts
Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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