An international criminal court has been called the missing link in the international legal system. The International Court of Justice at The Hague has jurisdiction only over States, not individuals. The international community will meet in Rome, Italy, from 15 June to 17 July to finalize a draft statute which, when ratified, would establish such a court. The UN has declared 1998 the International Year of the Ocean as a reminder of this valuable resource that plays a crucial role in sustaining life and in stabilizing world climate. Many nations depend on the sea for survival, through fishing, maritime trade or tourism.
Action is needed to protect fish stocks and other resources and to combat rising sea levels.