Topic: Strengthening the International Criminal Court
Country: Lebanon
Delegate Name: Michael Stinavage
School: Mattawan High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Lebanon position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court and its members have been calling on Lebanon to make a commitment to international justice and the rule of law by acceding to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as soon as possible. In light of the tragic violence that has swept across the country since February of last year, ending impunity is of paramount importance. The Court feels that if Lebanon joined at this moment, it would send an unmistakable signal in favor of justice and accountability, and offer Lebanon a strong hope for lasting peace and security.
Lebanon questions aspects of the ICC such as it pertaining to the Israel- Lebanon conflict of 2006. However, President Michel Sleiman reiterates Lebanon’s commitment to honor the obligations to the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon, including its funding.
Sleiman also claims, “This is in addition to our obligation to abide by the resolutions of the international legitimacy, including that pertaining to the Special International Tribunal for Lebanon, and that to attain justice and the ultimate truth, and preserve our credibility.” This special tribunal refers to the investigation by the council of the assasination of of former Lebanese prime minister, Rafiq Al-Hariri.
There has been some unrest involving how Lebanon would handle being the eye of the public, yet Lebanon holds true to their stance involving the strengthening and implementation of the International Criminal Court.
Of the 119 countries that are States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal court, the Lebanese Republic is not a member.
