Ireland has informed the Council of Europe of its readiness to join the agreement on the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine. According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Siberia, the tribunal should ensure accountability of the highest leadership of the aggressor country.
Ireland joins agreement on special tribunal
Ireland has officially informed the Council of Europe of its intention to join the agreement on the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine. This was stated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Andriy Siberia. According to the information Public, The Irish side supports the initiative to bring to justice the highest political and military leadership of the aggressor country.
Ireland's decision was an important step in building international support for the creation of a special tribunal. To date, 25 European Union countries are ready to join this initiative.
The next step of the Council of Europe
On 14-15 May, in Chisinau, the Council of Europe plans to take the «next step» towards launching a special tribunal. An agreement on the establishment of the tribunal's steering committee is to be concluded on these dates.
According to Sibiga, this process is crucial for ensuring the effective functioning of the future judicial body. It is expected that the signing of the agreement in Chisinau will be a key step towards the launch of the international accountability mechanism for the crime of aggression.
International support for the tribunal
In total, 25 EU countries have already joined the initiative to establish a special tribunal. This demonstrates the high international support for the idea of bringing the leadership of the aggressor state to justice for the crime of aggression against Ukraine.
The readiness to join the agreement demonstrates the solidarity of European states in the protection of international law. Expanding the list of participating countries could strengthen the legitimacy and influence of the future tribunal.
Why it matters
Establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine is a key step in establishing justice and accountability at the highest political level. International support, including the accession of Ireland, strengthens Ukraine's position on the international stage.
The launch of the tribunal could set a precedent for bringing to justice leaders of states that violate international law. It is also an important signal to potential aggressors that punishment for such crimes is inevitable.
