I have been active this year in the House in seeking to strengthen the ICC.  My first member’s bill, introduced in August, sought to make aggression, in violation of the UN Charter, a crime in NZ domestic law, in anticipation of it becoming a crime in international law through the ICC.  And I have asked several questions of ministers on this subject.

At Kathmandu, the ICC President, Judge, Sang-Hyun Song will give the keynote address along with the Speaker of the Nepalese Assembly. 

I shall speak on the challenges and benefits of becoming a member state in the ICC which has jurisdiction over genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.  It is possible that aggression will also be a justiciable crime next year. 

Also speaking with me will be, among others, an EU representative and other parliamentarians as well.

The meeting is held during a recess week and all costs are covered by the organisers – no cost to the NZ taxpayer.