Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI)
Speech on the floor of the House of Representatives
April 10, 2002

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the International Criminal Court as it comes into existence at a United Nations ceremony in New York City. As my colleagues are aware, since coming to Congress I have been highly supportive of an ICC, and I strongly believe in its principal, that human rights abusers who commit crimes against humanity or genocide should be brought to justice.

Several years ago, I visited the Hague, and was deeply moved by the intense law enforcement and criminal justice efforts there to bring abusers to justice. A permanent international criminal court which can bring future perpetrators of war crimes to full and complete justice is in our national interests.

Support for the International Criminal Court is nearly universal among our allies, among those ratifying the Rome Treaty are our closest friends in the war against terrorism, such as the United Kingdom. The European Union has a common position supporting the court and the list of ratifying countries includes so many of our closest allies that many commentators have referred to the ICC as the Court of the Democracies.

I feel strongly that if we are not to ratify the Rome Treaty at this time, at a minimum, adopt a policy of constructive engagement with the Court. We must be engaged to ensure that we use our Security Council referral power in a responsible manner to both deter war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide to ensure that those who commit such crimes are brought to justice. As leaders of the free world, we must recognize that the only way to achieve a court that we can live with, is to stay engaged in the continuing negotiations over the scope, purpose, and construction of it.

Again, I commend the nations who have taken the leadership and effort to become members of the Court and look forward to its role in international justice.

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