Report of the International Criminal Court
– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Mr. Miroslav Laj?ák, President of the 72nd Session of the 蘑菇视频 General Assembly, at the?Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly to hear the Report of the International Criminal Court
Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
I am pleased to welcome Her Excellency, Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), to the General Assembly.
The 1998 Rome Statute is a landmark on the journey to universal justice and rule of law. Its adoption demonstrated our commitment to end impunity for “the most serious crimes of concern to the international community”. It reflected a joint resolve to guarantee lasting respect for and enforcement of international justice.
Now, almost two decades later, we must reaffirm our determination to stand up for victims and prevent recurrence of the these most serious crimes. The firm international commitment towards these ends is demonstrated by the fact that almost two-thirds of the United Nations membership are parties to the Rome Statute.
I want to emphasise two elements of the Court’s work.
First, is the role of the International Criminal Court in the delivery of justice. While states retain the primary responsibility to exercise criminal jurisdiction over those responsible for serious crimes, the International Criminal Court plays a complementary role. It acts when national judicial systems have failed to ensure accountability.
By fulfilling its functions, the Court carries out a vital role. It contributes to strengthening accountability, protecting human rights and promoting the rule of law. This supports our ultimate goal of achieving a more peaceful and just world for all people. However, cooperation of states with the Court is critical to enable it to effectively fulfil its mission, as provided in the Rome Statute.
The victims must not be denied the justice they deserve. Most have faced the gravest indignity and abuse, ultimately paying the highest price. Victims and their families have suffered the greatest loss and often inhuman treatment. Their rights must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. They deserve justice. If we fail to deliver, we call into question our own relevance as guarantors of human rights and justice.
From the very beginning, the International Criminal Court was meant to be an instrument not only for the prosecution but also for the prevention of international crimes.
The second element is the preventive impact of the Court’s work.
From the very beginning, the International Criminal Court was meant to be an instrument not only for the prosecution but also for the prevention of international crimes. Strengthening the enforcement of international law helps to deter potential perpetrators from carrying out or continuing criminal conduct.
Furthermore, as the Court works to fulfil its mandate under the Statute, it supports the work we are doing to promote justice and the rule of law, and to sustain peace.
Finally, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court reaffirms the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Achieving its universality was considered a means to guarantee that such unimaginable atrocities, which represent a “threat to the peace, security and well-being of the world”, would not go unpunished.
Ending impunity is an important way to prevent future atrocities. All of us have an obligation to prevent and respond to these grave crimes.
Excellencies,
As we consider this agenda item today, I trust we will remind ourselves of the common commitment towards peace and international justice.
Thank you for your attention.