Ahead of the 14th Session of the Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court, to take place on 18-26 November 2015 in The Hague, members of PGA’s Australian National Group met with experts to discuss the important role of the ICC in Australia, and the country’s leadership role in securing stability and peace in the region, and in the promotion of the fight against impunity, democracy and good governance under the Rule of Law.

The event was hosted by the Chair of the PGA National Group, Hon. Melissa Parke, MP, who welcomed attendees in discussing the key challenges facing the Court today, including a growing work-load, with insufficient resources to carry it out. MP Parke also touched on the important role Australia has to play in the Asia Pacific region as an example for effective ratification and implementation of the Rome Statute.

The meeting was held in order to inform MPs with the work of the ICC, more specifically the Assembly of States Parties, the ASP. In recent years, the ICC has been confronted by an ever growing workload, and turns to the ASP every year to request an increase in its resources in order to address its increasing activities. In light of recent estimates by the Office of the Prosecutor in reference to the reforms being done to both the Registry and the OTP, the Court was forced to request even more funding in order to maintain both quality and efficiency in its work. A reduction or denial of the full amount requested could have an adverse effect on the Court’s capacity to take on new situations or properly address the ones it currently faces

The discussions where headed by experts including Mr. Jonathan O’Donohue, Legal Advisor on International Justice, Amnesty International Australia; Team leader on budget, Coalition for the ICC, who explained the supportive role that Australia has played within the ICC System and specific steps it can take to support the ICC in resolving the challenges it is currently facing. Additionally, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was represented by Dr. Greg French, Assistant Secretary on the International Legal Branch.

The meeting spearheading the upcoming ASP gave the PGA Members a chance to address important questions on the ICC and discus the activities and workload that the Court faces today with experts in the field. Further, the meeting was useful in informing those present about the important topic of the ICC’s budget, and the general financial needs of the Court in fulfilling its mandate. Finally, the event was a fruitful opportunity for MPs to pose a question or table a motion in the Parliament, asking the government representatives before the upcoming Assembly of States Parties about their position on the proposed Court budget for 2016, and the increase in the resources requested by the Court.