ICC - Headquarters agreement signed between the ICC and the Netherlands
Press Release
Headquarters agreement signed between the ICC and the Netherlands
ICC-PR-070607-221
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On 7 June, President Kirsch of the International Criminal Court and Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E Maxime Verhagen signed the Headquarters Agreement between the International Criminal Court and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
President Kirsch expressed the Court’s appreciation for the support of the host State. He noted “The Headquarters Agreement will play an important role in cementing a fruitful, lasting relationship of co-operation between the International Criminal Court and The Netherlands.”
The Headquarters Agreement regulates the relationship between the Court and the Netherlands and in particular the privileges and immunities of staff and other categories of persons participating in proceedings before the Court. Its provisions facilitate the smooth and efficient operations of the Court in the Netherlands through, amongst others, ensuring that the needs of all persons required to be present at the seat of Court are met and that information and evidence coming in and out of the Netherlands is protected. In particular, the Agreement recognises the important role played by various independent bodies, including counsel or legal associations; journalists and non governmental organisations and provides for modalities for consultations to ensure the smooth processing of applications for visas and stay of representatives of these bodies in the Netherlands.
Negotiations between the Court and the Government of the Netherlands began in January 2003. The Agreement was approved by the Assembly of States Parties in December 2006 and by the Dutch Council of Ministers in May 2007. It will enter into force after Dutch Parliamentary approval, as required by Dutch law.
In the meantime, the relationship between the Court and the Netherlands will continue to be governed by the agreement between the United Nations and the Kingdom of the Netherlands concerning the Headquarters of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
For further information please contact Ms Sonia Robla, Head of Public Information and Documentation Section at +31 (0)70 515-8089 or at [email protected]