BIA: Suriname to Join ICC, Considers BIA with U.S.

While this is a significant step forward for the African country, it is significantly marred by the fact that Mr. Venetiaan’s government is considering signing a Bilateral Immunity Agreement (BIA) with the U.S.

A BIA would require Suriname to exempt all U.S. nationals, including non-national contractors, from the jurisdiction of the ICC for grave offenses such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. If Suriname refuses to sign a BIA, the U.S. will cut its Economic Support Funds (ESF), aid that is crucial to the advancement of the rule of law and human rights in Suriname. The U.S. has already cut military aid to countries who have refused to sign BIAs.

Leading human rights groups have labeled these BIAs “impunity agreements,” arguing that the U.S. should not be above the law to which every other nation is subject. President Venetiaan has informed Parliament that the technicalities of a BIA are being reviewed.

Since 2003, the Bush administration has launched an aggressive BIA campaign with every country in the world and has recently boasted that there are more than 100 BIAs in place. However, several key African nations such as Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria—all U.S. allies—have not bowed to pressure and have refused to sign BIAs.

If Suriname joins the ICC, it will be the 101st country to become a member of the Court.

Updated January 4, 2005