Malta’s Historic Vote: Joining the ICC After the Election

Imagine standing in the heart of Valletta, the sun casting its warm glow on the Grandmaster’s Palace. Now, picture this: Malta, our tiny island nation, about to make a giant leap onto the global stage, joining the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute Vladimir Putin. But there’s a twist. We’re not doing it just yet. Here’s why.

Why Malta is Joining the ICC

Malta’s decision to join the ICC is a significant step towards upholding international law and justice. The ICC, based in The Hague, prosecutes individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. By joining, Malta is sending a clear message: we stand against impunity, and we’re ready to play our part.

But why now? The catalyst is the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Putin’s actions have been condemned worldwide, with many calling for him to face justice. Malta, with its strategic location in the Mediterranean and its commitment to European values, sees an opportunity to contribute to this process.

Why After the Election?

Malta’s general election is scheduled for March 2023. The government, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, has decided to wait until after the election to ratify the ICC’s Rome Statute. This is not a delay in principle, but a practical decision to avoid electioneering around such a sensitive issue.

Once the election is over, Malta will deposit its instrument of ratification with the United Nations. This will make our commitment official and trigger a process that will see Malta become a full member of the ICC within a year.

What This Means for Malta

Joining the ICC is not just about prosecuting Putin. It’s about Malta’s place in the world. It’s about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult. It’s about showing that no matter how small, we can make a difference.

For Malta, this means a new role on the global stage. It means our voice will be heard in international legal forums. It means we’ll be part of a collective effort to ensure justice prevails. And it means we’ll be setting an example for other small nations to follow.

As we stand on the cusp of this historic decision, let’s remember why we’re doing this. We’re doing this for Ukraine, for justice, and for Malta. We’re doing this because it’s the right thing to do.

After the election, Malta will take its seat at the ICC. The world will be watching. Let’s make them proud.