We are pleased to announce that the Government of Ghana, represented by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, has officially executed the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention on the Investigation and Prosecution of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes and Other International Crimes. This significant event took place at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands on February 14, 2024.
The Ljubljana-The Hague Convention is a pioneering global treaty aimed at combating impunity, following in the footsteps of the Rome Statutes of 1998 which led to the establishment of the International Criminal Court. It symbolizes the collective commitment of the international community to eradicate genocide, crimes against humanity, and other serious international crimes.
The signing ceremony was attended by esteemed dignitaries including the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Piotr Hofmanski, the Chief Prosecutor of the ICC, Mr. Karim A. Khan, as well as high-ranking officials from various States Parties to the ICC. Their presence underscored the significance of this momentous occasion.
This convention establishes a crucial international legal framework for cooperation among states in the investigation and prosecution of such grave offenses. It represents a pivotal development in international criminal law and seeks to garner global support for the prosecution and investigation of the most serious international crimes.
In addition to addressing the investigation and prosecution of crimes, the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention also encompasses other important matters such as the transfer of prisoners, use and protection of data, mutual legal assistance, extradition of nationals, and cross-border investigations.
The culmination of over 12 years of dedicated effort by a core group of countries, including the Netherlands, Argentina, Slovenia, Mongolia, Senegal, and Belgium, has led to the realization of this crucial treaty. The international community recognized a gap in international law pertaining to ending impunity, prompting the formation of the "Core Group" to devise an international legal mechanism to bridge this gap.
During the signing ceremony, speakers from the Core Group hailed the Convention as a significant contribution to the global fight against impunity, war crimes, and international crimes in general. They emphasized its particular importance in light of the current trend for states to prosecute international crimes domestically, underscoring the need for enhanced cooperation to uphold the principles laid out in the original Rome Statutes of 1998.
It is noteworthy that ratification by only three States is required to bring the Convention into force. As of Wednesday, February 14th, 34 States Parties have executed the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention, marking a substantial step forward in international efforts to address and prevent heinous crimes that shock the conscience of humanity.
The execution of the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention signifies a collective resolve to uphold justice and accountability on a global scale. It is a testament to the unwavering commitment of nations to confront impunity and ensure that those responsible for grave international crimes are held accountable for their actions. This landmark treaty stands as a beacon of hope for victims and a clear message to perpetrators that their actions will not go unpunished.
-source 3news | curated by Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
