The International Criminal Court took concrete shape in early September when the Assembly of States Parties convened for the first time. The Assembly invited all members of the United Nations not already party to the Rome Statute to serve as observers at all future Assemblies. Indeed, almost every nation was represented, including Russia, Israel, China, India, and Pakistan. The US alone was the only major power absent.

The Assembly, chaired by Prince Zeid Ra'ad Zeid Al-Hussein of Jordan, quickly passed the important documents prepared by the Preparatory Commission over the last four years. These included the Rules of Evidence and Procedure, the Elements of Crime, the first year's budget, and the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities. The Assembly also worked closely with NGOs to formulate a procedure for the election of judges.

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