USAforICC

Your voice is crucial. The most recent national polls have found that 76% of Americans support the U.S. joining the ICC, but our leaders do not hear from these pro-ICC constituents often enough. Anti-ICC legislation has passed through Congress in part because our leaders received just a few letters from constituents opposed to the ICC - and virtually none in favor. That's why we need your help--change won't happen without you!

Citizens for Global Solutions is a national advocacy organization made up of people like you -- people who know that in today's interdependent world, there are some problems that can't be solved by one country alone, no matter how strong that country is. A strong and effective International Criminal Court is an important partner to the U.S. in tackling these global challenges. Make your voice heard: join Citizens for Global Solutions today to help build a better, safer world for everyone:

The Partners for Global Solutions Program is a fun, easy way for you to make a difference on the global issues that matter to you. By becoming a Partner, you will join a network of activists who take action in their local communities. The common goal of our efforts is to raise awareness in the U.S. about the need for our country to partner with others and work with international institutions.

Send a Letter to the Editor of Your Local Paper

Below is a sample letter you can send to the editor of your local paper to let your policy makers know that the ICC is important to you. You can add these talking points to the letter:

          -The ICC is the only permanent international criminal court
          -The ICC embodies fundamental American values
          -The ICC abides by the highest standards of fairness and judicial process

More talking points are available from the ICC Communications Guide.

Dear Editor:

Re: (NAME OF NEWSPAPER ARTICLE, DATE OF PUBLICATION)

Ever since the Nuremburg war crimes trials, the United States has championed international law as a means to end impunity for war criminals while promoting American principles like due process, equality before the law and the protection of basic human rights. These principles are also embodied in the International Criminal Court--a court with which until recently, the U.S. was actively engaged.

The ICC was established in July 2002 in The Hague, Netherlands and has jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The Court currently enjoys 100 members, most of which are from democratic countries and/or are U.S. allies.

However, despite the very significant achievement in international law and human rights that the ICC represents, the current administration has turned its back on the Court. Not only has President Bush "unsigned" the treaty creating the Court, but he has also pushed for military and economic aid cuts to countries that are ICC member states.

The majority of Americans support the ICC, and yet there voice is not heard by the administration. Rather, the administration is pursuing a policy that is harmful to both U.S. interests and the victims of heinous crimes. It is therefore vital that this counterproductive U.S. policy toward the ICC be reversed. It is only through engagement with and support of the ICC that the U.S. can regain its leadership role in the international community.

Name
Contact Information

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Find Out How Your Legislators Voted on ICC-Related Issues

Citizens for Global Solutions Congressional Report Card lets you know how your Senators and Representatives voted on legislation impacting international issues. Find out how your Congressmen voted on the ICC, in addition to other important issues such as nuclear proliferation, the global environment, international AIDS fundin, U.N. funding and more.

+ VIEW THE REPORT CARD

Another way to reach out to your community is to form an ICC Alliance. These Alliances consist of interested local organizations and individuals together with local affiliates of the American Non-Governmental Organizations Coalition for the International Criminal Court's (AMICC) nationwide members. AMICC provides detailed, step-by-step information on how to form an ICC Alliance. There are 14 ICC alliances across the U.S, located in 12 key cities. Make your town or city home to the next ICC alliance!

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