The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, the Netherlands, has received referrals from 39 State Parties with a request to investigate the situation in Ukraine due to Russia’s attack.
The work in the collection of evidence has now commenced, an Ukrinform correspondent in The Hague informs, citing a statement by Karim Khan, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“These referrals enable my Office to proceed with opening an investigation into the Situation in Ukraine from 21 November 2013 onwards, thereby encompassing within its scope any past and present allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed on any part of the territory of Ukraine by any person,” the statement reads.
It is noted that the Office of Prosecutor of ICC received the referrals of the situation in Ukraine from 39 ICC States Parties.
“As mentioned in my statement of 28 February, in its preliminary examination of the Situation in Ukraine, my Office had already found a reasonable basis to believe crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court had been committed, and had identified potential cases that would be admissible. As I proceed to discharge my responsibilities, I will seek to engage with all relevant stakeholders and parties to the conflict, ensuring that investigations by my Office are conducted objectively and independently, with full respect for the principle of complementarity. In doing so, we will remain focused on our core objective: ensuring accountability for crimes falling within ICC jurisdiction. The support of States Parties and the international community more broadly will be essential as we seek to meet the inherent challenges faced in the conduct of these investigations. I will therefore seek the partnership and contributions of all States in order to address our need for additional resources across all situations addressed by my Office,” reads the statement.
Khan reiterated his call to all those engaged in hostilities in Ukraine to adhere strictly to the applicable rules of international humanitarian law.
On February 24, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops have been shelling and destroying key infrastructure facilities, conducting massive attacks on residential districts of Ukrainian cities and villages using artillery, multiple rocket launchers, and ballistic missiles.
Martial law was imposed in Ukraine and general mobilization was announced.
Ukraine officially filed a lawsuit against the Russian Federation at the UN International Court of Justice in The Hague. International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan initiated the start of investigation into the situation in Ukraine.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the support of all Ukrainian people, courageously resist the Russian aggression.
