ICC Welcomes Two More Ratifications

Representing both Africa and the Caribbean, the countries of Comoros and St. Kitts & Nevis, respectively, have ratified the Rome Statute establishing the ICC and are now full members of the Court.

Comoros formally ratified the Rome Statute on August 18, 2006, bringing the total for African ICC States Parties to twenty-eight. Officially the Union of Comoros, this small African nation consists of three islands nestled between Mozambique and Madagascar. With 86 percent of the population sharing African-Arab origins, Comoros is a predominantly Muslim country and is therefore a significant addition to the ethnic and religious make-up of the Court’s membership. Jordan is the only other Muslim country that is currently a member of the ICC.

Four days after Comoros’ ratification, St. Kitts & Nevis, the smallest nation in the Western Hemisphere, also ratified the Rome Statute and became an official member of the ICC. St. Kitts & Nevis’ ratification recalls the historical role that the Caribbean—led by Trinidad & Tobago in as early as 1989—played in calling for and establishing the ICC. St. Kitts & Nevis is the 23rd country in the Americas and the 8th Caribbean nation to join the Court.

These latest ratifications bring the total of ICC member states to 102.

+ Read the ICC Press Statement on the latest ratifications