On Wednesday 26th March 2025, the International Affairs Committee (IAC) of the National Assembly of Seychelles led by its Chairperson Hon. Waven William met with a delegation from the Legal Unit of the Foreign Affairs Department (FAD). The meeting to discuss the Amendments to the Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) (Rome Statute), is in line with the IAC’s mandate to review international agreements prior to ratification by the House.
The FAD delegation was led by Legal Adviser Mrs. Sandra Michel, accompanied by Third Secretary Martina Ceccato. Other members of the IAC present were Vice Chairperson Hon. Wavel Woodcock, Hon. Egbert Aglae, Hon. Philip Monthy, Hon. Philip Arissol, Hon. Kelly Samynadin, and Hon. Cecile Larsen.
The meeting was kicked off by welcoming remarks by the Hon. Chair who proceeded to invite FAD to present the scope of the Statute, and the Amendments approved via Resolution, for the Party States including Seychelles to ratify. Mrs. Michel explained the importance of accepting the amendments as they will serve to strengthen and improve the operations and scope of the ICC.
The delegation briefly detailed the five amendments which include the definition of a ‘crime of aggression’, the inclusion of new range of weapons such as employing prohibited gases, liquids, materials or devices used during armed civil conflicts, and the deletion of Article 124 on Transitional Provision.
The Committee raised concerns about the policing and enforcement of these provisions, especially in lieu of the UN Security Council and its veto powers. Mrs. Michel mentioned the special protection and authority provided to international legal bodies such as the ICC. The meeting was then adjourned with Hon. William pledging the support of the IAC in the ratification of the amendments, once the motion of ratification is tabled in the House.
