The Ukrainian authorities and a former British prime minister are pushing for a particular prison tribunal to prosecute Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies over the invasion of Ukraine.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown mentioned the decision for a physique to analyze the "crime of aggression" was based mostly on the tribunals that prosecuted senior Nazis after World Conflict II.
The Netherlands-based Worldwide Prison Court docket is already investigating allegations that Russia has dedicated warfare crimes in Ukraine. However whereas it could actually examine genocide, crimes in opposition to humanity and warfare crimes, Russia has not signed as much as a separate ICC statute below which nations pledge to not commit "crimes of aggression."
Brown mentioned that "this act of aggression by Russia … can not go uninvestigated, unprosecuted and unpunished."
"Putin should not have the ability to escape justice," he mentioned.
Ukrainian International Minister Dmytro Kuleba welcomed the decision for a tribunal, which is backed by authorized consultants and lecturers from around the globe.
"We're combating in opposition to an enemy who is way stronger than us. However worldwide regulation is on our facet," Kuleba advised a gathering in London by video hyperlink from Ukraine.
Earlier, the UN's high human rights physique has voted overwhelmingly to nominate a three-person panel of consultants to observe human rights in Ukraine, the place Russian forces are invading.
The Human Rights Council voted 32-2, with 13 abstentions, to go a decision that was introduced by many Western international locations and others who've spoken out in opposition to Moscow's assault on its neighbour.
Solely Russia and Eritrea opposed the decision, with China abstaining.
The vote Friday was the fruits of an pressing debate known as by Ukraine, throughout which most council members lambasted Russia.
Many Western envoys sported blue or yellow ties, scarves, jackets or ribbons on their lapels, in a reference to the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Far-flung international locations akin to Gambia and Malaysia spoke out in opposition to the invasion.
The consequence testified to rising worldwide isolation of Russia: On Monday, 5 international locations — together with China — had voted in opposition to Ukraine's effort to convene the pressing debate.
Ukraine's ambassador Yevheniia Filipenko, her eyes crimson with emotion, advised delegates after the vote: "I thank all those that voted for the proper course."