– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly
2 November 2020
His Excellency Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, President of the International Criminal Court,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
In 1998, the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court, demonstrated the commitment of the international community to put an end to impunity for the most serious crimes of concern.
In seeking to ¡°guarantee lasting respect for and the enforcement of international justice¡±, signatories pledged that the most serious crimes would not go unpunished. Signatories recognized that ¡°such grave crimes threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world¡±.
Excellencies,
By fulfilling its mandate, the Court contributes to the promotion of peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development for everyone, everywhere. In order to ensure that the Court can effectively fulfil its mission, the cooperation of all States with the Court is critical, as provided in the Rome Statute.
The General Assembly through its annual resolution on the ICC, continues to call for an end to impunity and to prevent atrocity crimes while recognizing the International Criminal Court as an independent permanent judicial institution.
Today¡¯s debate on the annual report of the Court, submitted in accordance with article 6 of the 2004 Relationship Agreement between the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, provides us with an opportunity to gain insights into the work of the Court and to re-commit to our shared vision of a better world.
During the reporting period, more than 11,000 victims participated in cases before the Court, despite the logistical impediments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. I commend the President for his leadership and swift action to successfully implement new remote working arrangements which ensured the continuity of operations ahead of gradual re-opening of the ICC headquarters in June.
Moreover, I thank all individuals who serve in The Hague and in offices around the world, for working each day to uphold justice for all.
In this General Assembly Hall we are charged with meeting the aspirations of humanity. We must move forth with ambition, courage and determination if we are to uphold the rule of law and human rights everywhere.
Excellencies,
Let us recall the preamble of the Rome Statute, which states,
¡°¡ all peoples are united by common bonds, their cultures pieced together in a shared heritage, and concerned that this delicate mosaic may be shattered at any time.¡±
In this General Assembly Hall we are charged with meeting the aspirations of humanity.
We must move forth with ambition, courage and determination if we are to uphold the rule of law and human rights everywhere.
For if justice is not universal, it is not just.
I thank you.