German Foreign Ministry called for reform of international law

German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock proposed reforming international law so that those who started wars of aggression could be brought to justice. "The Rome Statute, which was implemented a quarter of a century ago after long and difficult negotiations, was an important step in realizing the centuries-old idea of a world based on law. An institution called the International Criminal Court appeared in the international legal system, which is considered the foundation of the world community. Finally, countries have understood that the most serious crimes affecting the fate of the international community cannot go unpunished," said the German minister in a statement on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the International Criminal Court. Annalena Burbok noted that the International Criminal Court has become a sharp sword against criminals, while at the same time, she noted that there are obstacles to punishing the aggressors. "In the 21st century, no one can wage a war of aggression and go unpunished for it. That is why we, together with our partners, are in favor of improving international law so that it responds to the reality of the 21st century," said the politician. A. Berbok, in particular, sharply condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Based on the Rome Statute, which was adopted on July 17, 1998 and entered into force on July 1, 2002, the International Criminal Court deals with genocide, aggression, crimes against humanity and war crimes. In order for the international court to bring the perpetrators to justice, the country must officially accede to the Rome Statute. This makes it difficult to punish those who committed the mentioned crimes. Accordingly, the official Berlin proposes to amend the Rome Statute. According to him, the persons who committed the crime of aggression should be prosecuted without limitation. In his speech at the ceremony dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany drew attention to the fact that Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, invaded neighboring Ukraine with imperialist claims. According to the German diplomat, the international community should take active action to legally punish the person who started this war. Otherwise, the atmosphere of danger and fear will return to the world due to impunity. Shortly after the Russian army invaded the territory of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the Hague-based International Criminal Court began an investigation into possible grave crimes against Russian officials at the request of Kiev. On March 17 of this year, the international court issued a warrant for the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children's Rights Ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova. This decision was explained by the invasion of the Russian army into Ukraine and the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia as a result. 123 countries that have signed the Rome Statute are obliged to comply with the document of the international court. Among them are European, South American countries, as well as Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The USA and Russia did not join this document.