On the first day of the general debate, 38 States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court addressed the Assembly on different issues including, in particular, issues to be dealt with at the Review Conference, such as the inclusion of the crime of aggression in the Rome Statute, the stocktaking exercise on international criminal justice, and other proposed amendments to the Rome Statute.

The eighth session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (“the Assembly”) opened on 18 November 2009 at the World Forum Convention Center in The Hague.

The Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court will hold its eighth session at the World Forum Convention Center in The Hague, The Netherlands, from 18 to 26 November 2009.

In a symbolic ceremony held today, at the seat of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Czech Republic was welcomed as the newest State Party member to the Rome Statute.

Today, the International Criminal Court held a ceremony to welcome the Republic of Chile as the newest State Party to the Rome Statute.

On 21 July 2009, the government of the Czech Republic deposited its instrument of ratification to the Rome Statute.

The Statute will enter into force for Chile on 1 September 2009, bringing the total number of States Parties to the Rome Statute to 109.

It is with great sadness that the International Criminal Court informs you of the passing of Judge Fumiko Saiga. She passed away with her family by her side on 24 April, 2009 after a brief illness.
Condolence books will be available at the lobby of the main and public entrance, from Monday 27 to Wednesday 29 April. Also messages of condolence can be sent to the President of the Court Judge Sang-Hyun Song.

Mr. Mohamed Shahabuddeen (Guyana) submitted his resignation from the International Criminal Court for personal reasons on16 February 2009. Mr. Shahabudden had been elected by the Assembly of States Parties in January 2009 for a nine year term of office as a judge, scheduled to commence on 11 March.

Press Conference by Chairman of the Special Working Group on the Crime of Aggression. At the second resumption, the Special Working Group on the Crime of Aggression,which has been chaired since 2003 by H.E. Mr. Christian Wenaweser, Permanent Representativeof Liechtenstein to the United Nations, concluded its discussions on, inter alia, the definition of the crime of aggression andthe conditions for the exercise of jurisdiction by the Court over this crime.

The Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court will hold its second resumption of the seventh session at United Nations Headquarters in New York, from 9 to 13 February 2009, which will be devoted mainly to the Special Working Group on the Crime of Aggression.

The first resumption of the seventh session of the Assembly of States Parties to the RomeStatute of the International Criminal Court (“the Assembly”) concluded its work on 22 January 2009 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Vice-President of the Assembly, H.E. Mr. Zachary D. Muburi-Muita, Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations, closed the session.

The first resumption of the seventh session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (“the Assembly”) opened on 19 January 2009 at United Nations Headquarters in New York.