Coalition for the International Criminal Court - Rights groups under the banner of  ‘Coalition for the International Criminal Court’  (CICC) has called for the nomination of 'the most highly-qualified candidates” for available positions of the global court, PANA reports from here Saturday.

In a statement issued by the coalition, which consists of more than 2,500 non-governmental and civil society organizations in 150 countries, the body said the extended nomination period for the upcoming ICC elections should give states opportunity to come up with the  most suitable candidates.

“States parties to the Rome Statute - the ICC’s founding treaty - now have until 16 September to nominate candidates for six judicial vacancies,” the coalition said.

It further revealed that the election, together with that of the Prosecutor and six members of the Committee on Budget and Finance, scheduled to take place at the tenth session of Assembly of States Parties (ASP) in December, “represents the most significant changeover in ICC officials since the creation of the Court.”

'The judges elected in December will shape the Court's future direction and contribute to the ICC's standing as a permanent and respected international judicial institution,' William Pace, the coalition’s convener, said.

'Civil society will continue to advocate for states parties to nominate highly-qualified candidates to ensure the ICC continues to deliver accountability for victims of international crimes wherever they occur,' he added.

Pana 11/09/2011