President Obama, Reinstate U.S. Signature of Rome Statute

President Obama, Reinstate U.S. Signature of Rome Statute

Greetings Mr. President,

As you know, on December 6-10, 2010, the United States sent a delegation to the United Nations Headquarters in New York for the meeting of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) governing body, the Assembly of States Parties (ASP). The meeting ended on December 10 in celebration of International Human Rights Day.

These dates mark the official one year mark of the United States re-engaging with the ICC under your leadership. U.S. officials have often stated over the past year the ICC is in alignment with American values and is an indispensable component when bringing justice to war criminals and those guilty of committing severe, mass human rights abuses.

However, words are not enough. The United States still has not returned its signature to the Rome Statute, which was removed during the Bush administration. This is a key step towards ensuring eventual full, official U.S. support and engagement with the ICC as an active member.

The United States must become a signatory of the Rome Statute and the International Criminal Court to promote improvements in human rights and justice around the world. Both the U.S. and the ICC would greatly benefit from one another in nations such as Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and areas where armed groups such as the Lord's Resistance Army operate.

There can be no lasting peace without justice. Mr. President, I ask that you resign the Rome Statute and begin pushing for full U.S. support of the International Criminal Court. The U.S. cannot see full success in areas of the world, such as Sudan, Uganda, and Democratic Republic of Congo, it is working in and hopes to improve without a strong International Criminal Court.

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