Paul Introduces Resolution Opposing International Criminal Court

FOR RELEASE: February 7, 2001

Washington, D.C.- Congressman Ron Paul today introduced HCR 23, a resolution calling for Congress and the President to renounce U.S. support for the United Nations international criminal court (ICC). Paul has been an outspoken critic of the UN in general and the ICC in particular, pointing out the threat to U.S. sovereignty posed by a court with international jurisdiction. A Clinton administration ambassador quietly signed the ICC treaty on December 31st, despite strong opposition to the proposal from both parties in Congress and even some administration officials. Although the Senate has not yet ratified the treaty, UN observers and international law experts warn that UN officials view the signature as tantamount to American support for the ICC. Paul's resolution calls for President Bush to declare that the U.S. does not intend to ratify or assent to the ICC treaty.

"UN bureaucrats don't care whether our Senate ratifies the ICC treaty or not," Paul stated. "The Clinton administration signed the treaty, and the UN views the signature as final. It arrogantly announced that signatures from 60 nations will suffice to authorize creation of the international court. Once the court is in place, the UN will have the mechanism it needs to enforce its global edicts against American citizens. What about rights guaranteed to all U.S. citizens by the Constitution, such as due process, jury trials, the right against self-incrimination, and the prohibition against unreasonable searches? The ICC represents the next step toward global government: first the UN created its unconstitutional laws, and now it needs an international court to give teeth to the laws. President Bush should act now to revoke any symbol of U.S. support for this terrible treaty."

Paul plans to seek support for the resolution among his colleagues on the International Relations committee. "This is not a partisan issue," he concluded. "This is an issue of American sovereignty. American citizens have a right to Constitutional protections. Congress must insure that no American ever faces trial before an unconstitutional international court."