PRESS RELEASE: embargo 23-06-2009

LATEST ICC REPORT REVEALS THAT COURT IS
UNDER EUROPEAN AND WESTERN CONTROL

The recently published report of the Eighth Session of the International Criminal Court's Assembly of States Parties substantiates the frequently made charge that the court is dominated by European and Western powers.

To date, the ICC has only investigated and indicted citizens from African countries.

Famously, Robin Cook, the late UK foreign minister, once said: "The ICC was not created so as to bring to book prime ministers of the United Kingdom or presidents of the United States of America".

Of the contributions to the ICC's approved budget for 2009 of 96.4 million euros, 57.2 million euros of assessed contributions is accounted for by European countries. In addition, Australia, Canada and New Zealand account for another 7.2 million euros. Japan, by the end of the year, will have given 21.1 million euros and South Korea a further 3.1 million euros.

Of the European countries, Britain will have given by the end of the year 9.5 million euros, France 9, Italy 7.1, Spain 4.2 and Germany 12.3.

In the section of the ICC's own website entitled "How is the Court funded?" it interestingly reveals that the court also receives money from "international corporations, individuals, and other entities". No details are provided and in its report of May 13 2009, the Assembly of States Parties also makes no reference to these mysterious donors. The thought of private interests such as major multinational businesses helping to finance a judicial organisation is one that should be of great alarm to all those who believe in the rule of the law. ICCwatch director Marc Glendening has contacted the ICC's information department requesting a breakdown of these non-state contributors.

The report's Human Resources tables also demonstrate the extent to which the professional staff of the ICC is top-heavy with Europeans and westerners. Out of 294 professionals, 147 come from Europe, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America (perhaps surprisingly given that that country has not ratified the Rome Statute). France accounts for 47 members of staff alone, the UK and Germany 19 each.

Of the top D-1 grade, Europe contributes 5 staff members out of 7 and Africa 1. Within the next grade down, P-5, Europe accounts for 14 and the United States 1 out of a total of 24. Africa is represented by 6 staff members. When it comes to the P-4 grade, Europe has 36 out of 55 positions, with the USA taking 3. The total African representation is only 4 persons.

The ICC report refers too to the growing co-operation that is taking place between the court and the European Union Judicial Co-operation Unit (Eurojust) and Europol, the EU's embryonic police force. The EU is an enthusiastic supporter of the ICC.

Marc Glendening, ICCwatch director, comments:

"These figures offer a fascinating insight to the degree to which Europe and the West in general dominate the internal workings of the ICC.

"What is also of interest is the fact that there are 9 Americans employed within the professional ranks of the administration and this is extraordinary given that the United States has not ratified the Rome Statute.

"I will be seeking an explanation as to why it is that the ICC employs citizens of a country that refuses to subject its own citizens and leaders to the jurisdiction of the Court."

For more information concerning ICCwatch's critique of the International Criminal Court, please refer to www.iccwatch.org

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CONTACT:

MARC GLENDENING - 07896 511 108 -or- 0044 (0)20 7306 3302
Email: mail@iccwatch.org