Bringing the International Criminal Court home - the implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Act 2002

On 18 July 2002, Parliament passed the Implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Act 27 of 2002. The Act ensures that South Africa complies with its obligations as a State Party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. This article provides a short introduction to the Act and examines some of its more interesting aspects. The conclusion advanced is that the Act suitably foments South Africa's support of the International Criminal Court system, and demonstrates that the country is responding to the world public's demand for a stand on genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. It is noted, however, that the Act's ultimate success lies not in the strength of its internal provisions, but on the external will of the government to use the Act to full effect against international criminals.