Belgium, along with a number of other countries, will ask the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in The Hague to open an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Ukraine. This was stated by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmès and Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne.
“Even for President Putin, a war has rules. Attacking civilians is a war crime. Belgium joins the United Kingdom in formally asking the International Criminal Court to investigate alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine,” Prime Minister Alexander De Croo tweeted on Wednesday evening.
“Belgium is following the development of the situation in Ukraine with great concern. Last week there were several reports of attacks on citizens and the use of cluster munitions. The Belgian government recalls that even wars have their laws. Also in times of armed conflict, all parties are bound to respect international humanitarian law,” said a government statement.
“The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court communicated on February 28 that there was a reasonable basis to proceed with the opening of an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in recent years in Ukraine and that he intended to include the new allegations of crimes in this investigation as well. He has already instructed his team to explore all possibilities to preserve the evidence. »
“At the initiative of the UK, Belgium and a range of other countries will now formally ask the International Criminal Court to open an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine. The direct request made by a series of ICC States Parties will expedite this process and allow the Court in The Hague to immediately proceed with an independent and objective investigation into the most serious of the alleged crimes. »