
With Ukraine’s declarations in 2014 and 2015, the ICC prosecutor gained limited jurisdiction to open a preliminary examination into alleged RS crimes in the context of civilian demonstrations from Nov 2013 to Feb 2014 and other events from Feb 2014 onward
Situation phase:
Preliminary examination - ongoingRegions:
EuropeUkraine signed the Rome Statute in 2000 but did not ratify, citing the need for constitutional amendments. However, Ukraine has made two special ad hoc article declarations under article 12 (3) of the ICC Rome Statute, giving the ICC jurisdiction from November 2013 onward. The amendment recognising the ICC entered into force on 1 July 2019. Since then Ukraine can ratify the Rome Statute.
In 2014, political tensions escalated to revolution, followed by the disputed Russian annexation of Crimea and armed conflict in Donbas between Ukrainian, separatist, and Russian forces. War crimes and crimes against humanity, including killings and enforced disappearances, have been alleged on all sides. The ICC prosecutor has opened a preliminary examination into alleged Rome Statute crimes to determine whether a full investigation is warranted.
Ukraine was the first non-ICC member state to accede to the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the ICC in 2007.
Campaign for global justice
Rome statute status:
Signed but not ratified (non-ICC member state)Agreement on Privileges an Immunities of the ICC
RatifiedCrime of agression
Not ratified20 January 2000
29 January 2007
Article 8
Not ratifiedComplementarity (national prosecutions):
In force (partial)