Putin’s Mongolian Visit Sparks Outrage: Human Rights Watch Demands Action
Human Rights Watch Urges Mongolia to Block or Arrest Putin
Human Rights Watch has appealed to Mongolian authorities to block Russian President Vladimir Putin’s entry or arrest him if he enters the country.
The Kremlin announced that Putin plans to travel to Mongolia to attend a military ceremony at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhna Khurelsukh.
International Criminal Court’s Arrest Warrant
The International Criminal Court had called for Putin’s arrest since March 17, 2023, when its judges issued arrest warrants against him and another children’s rights commissioner, Maria Lvova Belova, on war crimes charges of illegally deporting children from Ukraine’s occupied territories near Russia.
“Mongolia would be violating its international obligations as a member of the ICC if it allowed Russian President Vladimir Putin to enter without arrest,” said Maria Elena Vignoli, senior international justice adviser at Human Rights Watch.
He added, “Welcoming Putin on the run from the International Criminal Court would not only insult the many victims of crimes committed by Russian forces, but would also undermine an important principle: no one, no matter how powerful, is above the law.”
Mongolia’s Obligations as an ICC Member
Mongolia joined the International Criminal Court in 2003, and under the Court’s founding treaty, Mongolia is obligated to cooperate with the Court, including the arrest and extradition of suspects who enter its territory.
Without its own police force, the ICC must rely on states and the international community to assist in arrests.
Implications of Putin’s Visit
If Putin visits Mongolia, it will be the first time he will be welcomed by a member state of the International Criminal Court, since the court has issued an arrest warrant against him.
In August 2023, Putin was expected to attend the annual summit of leaders of BRICS, a group of countries including South Africa and Russia, in Johannesburg, but his visit was ultimately canceled following pressure from civil society and a decision by South Africa to implement an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court to reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to African courts.
Human Rights Watch said all members of the ICC should follow South Africa’s example and respect their obligations under the Court’s treaty.