The Convention, agreed last year by 68 states, sets out new duties and obligations of states to co-operate in the investigation and prosecution of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other international crimes.

This includes mutual legal assistance, extradition and transfers of sentenced persons, to facilitate the investigation and prosecution at the national level of these crimes. The Convention has a particular focus on victims’ rights.

James Browne, minister of state in the Department of Justice, signed the Convention on behalf of Ireland at the Peace Palace in The Hague, The Netherlands.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Browne said: “This Convention marks a vital step in strengthening the international community’s ability to tackle the most serious of crimes.

“I am pleased to sign this on behalf of Ireland, underlining the State’s support for efforts to ensure accountability for these crimes.

“We will now seek government authority for Ireland to ratify the Convention, once the necessary legislative and administrative measures are put in place.”

Amnesty International said earlier this week that it welcomed the signing ceremony as a step towards bringing the Convention into force.

“Conflicts in the Gaza Strip, Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere underline the urgent need to strengthen the framework of international law through developments such as this treaty, which provides new tools to help deliver justice and ensure human rights are better protected,” Fisseha Tekle, Amnesty’s law and policy advisor, said.