"General appendix" [2011] ELECD 111; in Brown, S. Bartram (ed), "Research Handbook on International Criminal Law" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2011)

Book Title: Research Handbook on International Criminal Law

Editor(s): Brown, S. Bartram

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

ISBN (hard cover): 9781847202789

Section Title: General appendix

Number of pages: 68

Extract:

General appendix: Rome Statute of the International
Criminal Court


Adopted by the United Nations Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the
Establishment of an International Criminal Court on 17 July 1998, entry into force: 1 July
2002, in accordance with article 126*


PREAMBLE

The States Parties to this Statute,
Conscious that all peoples are united by common bonds, their cultures pieced together in
a shared heritage, and concerned that this delicate mosaic may be shattered at any time,
Mindful that during this century millions of children, women and men have been victims
of unimaginable atrocities that deeply shock the conscience of humanity,
Recognizing that such grave crimes threaten the peace, security and well-being of the
world,
Affirming that the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a
whole must not go unpunished and that their effective prosecution must be ensured by taking
measures at the national level and by enhancing international cooperation,
Determined to put an end to impunity for the perpetrators of these crimes and thus to
contribute to the prevention of such crimes,
Recalling that it is the duty of every State to exercise its criminal jurisdiction over those
responsible for international crimes,
Reaffirming the Purposes and Principles of the Charter of the United Nations, and in
particular that all States shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial
integrity or political independence of any State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the
Purposes of the United Nations,
Emphasizing in ...