Armenia is a state party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (Rome Statute), which established the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2002.[1] On 1 February 2024, Armenia became the 124th member of the International Criminal Court.[2]
History
In 2004, the Constitutional Court of Armenia ruled that the Statute was not compatible due to constitutional requirements on sovereignty over the judicial system.[3]
On 29 December 2022, the government of Armenia announced it was beginning the process of ratifying the Rome Statute, which it signed in 1999.[4] A request was made for the constitutional court to review whether the current Constitution of Armenia (which has been amended twice since the question was last reviewed) allows for the country to join the ICC.[3] The court promptly ruled that the ICCs obligations do not contradict the constitution, paving the way for Armenia to ratify the Rome Statute.[5]
According to Armenian Justice Minister Grigor Minasyan, the Rome Statute would apply to Armenia retroactively from 12 May 2021, when a border crisis with Azerbaijan began, in the hopes of filing proceedings against the latter for alleged war crimes.[6]
On 1 September 2023, Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan's administration sent the Rome Statute to the National Assembly for ratification.[7] The parliament's committee on legal affairs approved ratification on 28 September 2023.[8]
On 3 October 2023, the National Assembly of Armenia ratified the Rome Statute.[9]
On 14 October 2023, Armenian president Vahagn Khachaturyan formally approves the country joining the International Criminal Court.[10]
On 1 February 2024, Armenia became the 124th member of the International Criminal Court.[2]
On 8 February 2024, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said: ICC’s role in crime prevention and ensuring fair and impartial justice process for peaceful resolution of conflicts is significant. In our region, where we have been confronted by proliferation of conflicts we are convinced that the Rome Statute among other legal mechanisms has real potential to prevent further escalation and atrocities. Let us celebrate not only Armenia's commitment but also the shared vision of a world where justice prevails, and the dignity of every individual is protected.[11]
Bilateral visits
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan visited The Hague on 8 February 2024 to meet with President of the International Criminal Court Piotr Hofmański and President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Päivi Kaukoranta.[12][13]
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with President of the International Criminal Court Tomoko Akane and President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Päivi Kaukoranta in The Hague on 2 December 2024.[14][15]
