Justice ministers from around the world will gather in London in March for a meeting co-hosted by UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab and Dutch Minister of Justice and Security Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius.
The meeting, which will take place at Lancaster House, will focus on increasing global financial and practical support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and coordinating efforts to ensure the ICC has all it needs to carry out investigations and prosecute those responsible.
The meeting comes as Russia continues its campaign of aggression against Ukraine, targeting crucial energy infrastructure and leaving people in the dark and cold during winter. In reclaimed areas of Ukraine, prosecutors are still gathering evidence of atrocities and sexual violence.
Deputy Prime Minister Raab stated, "Russian forces should know they cannot act with impunity and we will back Ukraine until justice is served." He added, "Almost a year on from the illegal invasion, the international community must give its strongest backing to the ICC so war criminals can be held to account for the atrocities we’re witnessing."
During the meeting, countries will determine how to provide further assistance to the ICC. This includes practical support such as gathering information and sharing evidence of atrocities committed on the ground. Ministers will also discuss how to help victims and witnesses provide testimony without causing them further distress.
Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius said, "The reports and images of Russia’s unlawful and unprovoked armed attack on Ukraine are horrific. For us it is crystal clear: these crimes may not go unpunished." She added, "During this timely meeting we will continue to coordinate with our partners to ensure that support to the ICC and the Ukrainian authorities is offered."
The UK has already offered a bespoke package of support to the ICC, which included an additional £1 million in funding and dedicated police assistance. Last year, the UK also led efforts to refer atrocities in Ukraine to the ICC, a state party referral that is now supported by 43 countries. This referral allowed the ICC prosecutor to proceed straight to an investigation without the need for judicial approval.
The UK government also continues to support Ukraine’s domestic investigations. Along with the US and the EU, the UK established the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group to support investigations and has funded a training program for Ukrainian judges set to conduct trials for war crimes. There are 30 judges already participating in the program, and a similar training program for prosecutors in Ukraine, led by the Crown Prosecution Service, is set to begin later this year.
The UK has provided £2.3 billion in military support to Ukraine in 2022, more than any country other than the United States, and has committed to sustain that level of military support into 2023. The UK has also provided £400 million in economic and humanitarian grant support to Ukraine, and over £1.25 billion in multilateral loans has been unlocked via UK guarantees.
The meeting in London will provide an opportunity for justice ministers from around the world to coordinate their efforts in supporting the ICC and ensuring that war criminals are held accountable for their actions. The UK, along with the Netherlands, is taking a leadership role in this effort and is committed to providing ongoing support to Ukraine and the ICC as they work towards justice.
Photo licensed under creative commons. Photographer: Richard Townshend
