Canada’s Commitments and Responsibilities under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court

On 18 December 1998, Canada was the 14th country to sign the Rome Statute of the ICC. On 29 June 2000, Canada enacted the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act (CAHWCA), becoming the first country in the world to adopt comprehensive legislation implementing the Rome Statute. The Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act updated Canadian law to conform with the Rome Statute. To ensure that Canada can fully cooperate with ICC proceedings, the CAHWCA also amended existing Canadian laws like the Criminal Code, Extradition Act and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act. On 7 July 2000, Canada ratified the Rome Statute.