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MFA Statement on decision of the Republic of South Africa to withdraw from the Rome Statute

 

On October 19, 2016, the Government of the Republic of South Africa deposited its instrument of withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court, with the Secretary General of the United Nations. Earlier last week, the parliament of Burundi voted in favour of withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic regrets the Republic of South Africa's decision to initiate its withdrawal from the Rome Statute and invites South Africa to reconsider its position. With equal concern we noted the decision of the Parliament of Burundi to formalise the withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

The Czech Republic remains committed to fight against impunity and to bring to justice those who commit genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes of aggression. We hope that both South Africa and Burundi will reconsider their position and will work together with the international community towards the universality of the Rome Statute. We believe that the International Criminal Court plays a crucial role in preventing commission of such crimes, prosecuting the alleged perpetrators and securing the rule of law at the international level.

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