| Signed | Ratified | |
|---|---|---|
| Rome Statute | July 18, 1998 | Oct. 12, 2001 |
| APIC | Sept. 10, 2002 | Sept. 25, 2012 |
Switzerland has historically played a leading role in the field of international humanitarian law and has supported the establishment and operation of international courts and tribunals, including the ad hoc tribunals and the ICC. Switzerland’s commitment to the ICC was demonstrated by being one of the first 60 States to ratify the Rome Statute. Switzerland’s implementation of the Rome Statute has occurred in two phases. Prior to ratification, Switzerland adopted a Law on Cooperation with the International Criminal Court and amended its Criminal Code, extending the offences against the administration of justice included in the Criminal Code to proceeding of international tribunals. The second phase of the implementation was completed in 2010 with the adoption of legislation implementing the crimes under the jurisdiction of the ICC. The most innovative aspect of the Law on Cooperation with the ICC is the establishment of a Central Authority, which will be in charge of all procedures of cooperation with the Court. The establishment of a single authority to deal with all issues relating to cooperation with the ICC is likely to encourage a coherent and coordinated approach to cooperation. The Swiss implementation is also facilitative of the operation of the ICC insofar as it allows Switzerland to transmit information to the ICC without a previous request by the ICC itself.
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