The 22nd session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP22) to the Rome Statute is taking place in New York on 4-14 December 2023. Today election of 6 judges of the International Criminial Court (ICC) for the period of 2024-2033 was held. A Mongolian candidate, Justice Erdenebalsuren Damdin of the Supreme Court of Mongolia obtained 81 votes from 114 States Parties in the first round of voting. Hence, he was elected as the first ever Mongolian who will serve as a judge of the ICC.
International Criminal Court (ICC) is an international court that investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. Currently 123 countries have joined the Rome Statute of the ICC. Mongolia ratified the ICC Rome Statute in 2002.
A total of 13 countries have competed for the election of 6 judges of this highly important international court. The fact that our country’s candidate won in the first round of voting is not only a demonstration of Mongolia’s active foreign policy, but also faith the international community places in our candidate.
Justice Erdenebalsuren Damdin has over a decade of experience serving at the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Mongolia and 30 years of experience in criminal law and criminal proceedings. By serving as a judge of the International Criminal Court for the first time, Mongolia will make a significant contribution to international law, in particular international criminal law. Moreover, it will be of great importance in strengthening the court proceedings of Mongolia.