Topic: Strengthening the International Criminal Court
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Katie Bollman
School: Williamston High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Nigeria position papers GLIMUN 2011 committees
As a nation that has struggled in the past with border disputes, the resolution of which were aided immeasurably by the International Court of Justice, we are able to say with certainty that this sort of program is effective and helpful in our pursuit of a peaceful world. For this reason, and many others, we fully support the existing ICC and any revisions that may be made to foster increased successes.
Nigeria firmly believes that if a society is to progress well the rights of the most vulnerable citizens must be protected, and this protection must be enforced. The only way that this will be realized is through the successful implementation of international law. Over the years there have been numerous ludicrous acts against humanity that have claimed the lives of millions and permanently scarred even more. Though we all hope that these acts will not occur again, preventative steps must be taken. Nigeria believes that the Rome Statute acts as a deterrent. Through the Rome Statute of the ICC, if these acts do occur they may be properly addressed. To strengthen the ICC, Nigeria strongly urges all nations to join the Rome Statute.
Nigeria does not see this as infringement upon national sovereignty due to the steps taken to ensure the powers of the individual states, however it should be stressed that the ICC should not be used excessively. Individual nations have the right to develop their own laws in accordance with their own values, and Nigeria stands by this right. National Sovereignty is currently protected in man ways under the Rome Statute, which Nigeria has supported since 2001. For example, as written, states must consent to providing captivity to a criminal—the Court does not hold the power to impose this.
In conclusion Nigeria would like to stress once again its ongoing commitment to the existing ICC, but urge our fellow nations to wholeheartedly join in the prevention and appropriate reaction to heinous crimes. The first step in this is making a unified commitment to follow the directions laid out by the Rome Statute.
