ICC: Assembly of State Parties November 23 - December 1, 2006

Comprised of a representative from each country that is a member to the Court, the ASP meets regularly to decide key issues such as the Court’s budget and the election of judges. Each country retains one vote, and most issues must be decided by a majority vote. This year, items on the agenda include discussion of the 2007 Budget and the ICC Strategic Plan. Additionally, reports will be given on the Trust Fund for Victims as well as the Special Working Group on the Crime of Aggression.

A resumed meeting of the Fifth Session devoted primarily to the Special Working Group on the Crime of Aggression is scheduled for the end of January in New York, New York. The crime of aggression, while stipulated as the fourth crime falling under the ICC’s jurisdiction, is yet to be defined and finalized. It is up to the ASP in the 2009 Review Conference to determine the definition and scope of this crime. Any decision on the crime of aggression will require a seven-eighths majority vote.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that have a focus relevant to the Court have also been invited to participate as observers. The United Nations also has a standing invitation to this ASP meeting but because it is not affiliated with the ICC, it does note have voting power. Still staunchly opposed to the ICC, the U.S. will not be participating as an observer to the ASP.

As an advocacy NGO long focused on the ICC, Citizens for Global Solutions has consistently attended sessions of the ASP in the past and will be present at this year’s conference. Please check back in mid-December for a comprehensive Briefing Paper following this Fifth Session of the ASP.

Learn more about the Assembly of State Parties
Read about U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan's opening statement at the ASP meeting
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