EU Statement – UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting: 25th anniversary of the Rome Statute: the contribution of the ICC to the maintenance of international peace and security

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EU Statement - UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting: 25th anniversary of the Rome Statute: the contribution of the ICC to the maintenance of international peace and security

18.07.2023 Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in New York

18 July 2023, New York - Statement on behalf of the European Union by Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to the United Nations at the Arria meeting on 25th anniversary of the Rome Statute: the contribution of the ICC to the maintenance of international peace and security

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Madam Chair,

Thanks for convening us today. Indeed, the 25^th anniversary of the Rome Statute is an occasion to celebrate. It is a milestone in the ICC existence and for international criminal justice more broadly.

For us, the ICC stands mainly for three things:

1. First, it stands for accountability and for a world without impunity for the most serious crimes.

And accountability is in high demand these days.

As the world's first permanent international criminal court, the ICC has an important task to deliver on accountability.

The ICC investigations into the many situations around the world attest to the need for accountability globally. We encourage and support the Court to deliver on its mandate and its quest for justice.

In the last two decades of its existence, the ICC has had an important impact on global justice. Besides the results in the ICC courtrooms, the dialogue between the ICC and the national courts has enriched international criminal law globally.

The Court has contributed to the equal application of the rule of law at international level. But it has also enriched criminal law at the national level as the ratifying States developed national laws and capacities to investigate and prosecute atrocity crimes in their jurisdictions.

1. Second, the ICC stands for judicial independence.

The Court is an independent judicial institution. In leading the fight against impunity, the ICC must be able to work independently and impartially. We remain committed to work together with all States Parties and other partners around the world to support the Court and to preserve and respect its independence.

To those undermining the Court's work and calling it 'the so-called Court and the so-called Prosecutor", we say: no one is above the law and justice will be made!

We also strongly say that any retaliatory measures against the Court, its Prosecutor, its judges and others involved in its judicial work are unacceptable and must stop immediately.

The ICC is an instrument of justice, not of retribution. It is has no agenda other than to deliver justice for victims. That is why our support to ensuring its independence remains unwavering.

1. Third, the Court stands for victims.

Victims are the very reason of the ICC's existence. The Court is in many cases the last hope for victims.

With its victims-centered approach, the ICC plays a vital role. It provides accountability and acknowledgement of the crimes committed and ensures the active participation of victims and reparation.

We encourage the States Parties and others to continue to support the Trust Fund for Victims. The Fund assisted tens of thousands of victims with material support and physical and psychological rehabilitation. This is healing for victims.

I thank you.