Hon. Bill Graham,
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Lester B Pearson Bldg.
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0G2

Dear Minister,

 I am writing to request that the Government of Canada proceed expeditiously in signing and ratifying the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the International Criminal Court (‘the Agreement’).

Although the Agreement requires separate ratification, it is referred to in the Rome Statute and constitutes a crucial part of the legal framework of the International Criminal Court.

I note that ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo has identified the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the north-eastern province of Ituri in particular, as a situation that his office would "follow closely."   Mr. Ocampo’s preliminary investigation may well lead to a formal investigation. However, without the privileges and immunities as provided for in the Agreement, the Court will be seriously hampered in fulfilling its mandate in an independent, fair and effective manner.

Two upcoming events could provide excellent opportunities for Canada to sign the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities. The Second Session of the Assembly of States Parties of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court will be held in New York from September 8-12. This will coincide with the one-year anniversary of the adoption of the Agreement. In addition, the Secretary-General has announced a special treaty event, Focus 2003: Treaties Against Transnational Organized Crime and Terrorism, to be held from 23 to 26 September.  Both events will be held at United Nations Headquarters.

I am very grateful for the leadership Canada has shown in the negotiation of the Rome Statute and the establishment of the Court. Canada was among the first states to implement the ICC treaty and played a key role in the global campaign for early entry into force.

I do hope that Canada can show similar leadership in bringing into force the ICC’s Agreement on Privileges and Immunities.

Yours sincerely,

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