Madam President,
Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Spain on behalf of the European Union and would like to provide some additional remarks in a national capacity.
At the outset, I wish to thank you President de Gurmendi for your very able and dedicated leadership of the Assembly of States Parties over the past three years, and congratulate Ambassador Kaukoranta on the election as new President for the period 2024-2026. I also wish to congratulate the new Judges of the Court.
In its capacity of newly elected member of the Bureau – for which we thank the membership – Italy is fully committed to assisting this Assembly in fulfilling its high responsibilities, in line with my Country’s long-standing support for the International Criminal Court.
Madam President,
2023 has certainly been an eventful year for the Court.
The 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute has been marked by a number of commemorative initiatives, including the event held in New York in July and the symposium hosted by the “Siracusa International Institute for Criminal Justice and Human Rights” in October.
As Host Country of the 1998 Diplomatic Conference, Italy has been particularly pleased to contribute to these meaningful initiatives, which have offered an invaluable opportunity to take stock of past achievements and reflect on the future of the Court.
Over the past 25 years, the ICC has become a central pillar of the international criminal justice system based on the principles of complementarity, cooperation and, ultimately, accountability.
In recent times, its investigative and judicial workload has been steadily growing and this is testament to the enduring and increasing relevance of the Court.
At this critical juncture, States Parties have a compelling duty to assist the Court to effectively carry out its mandate, while rigorously respecting its independence.
This Assembly should continue to equip the Court with adequate and sustainable resources. Italy, as one of the largest contributors to the regular budget, will continue to do its part.
States Parties must also protect the Court from unacceptable attempts to question its integrity and undermine its independence. In this regard, we condemn any threat or act of intimidation against the Court and its officials. Likewise, we are concerned by the recent cyberattack, aimed to disrupt the functionality and the security of the Court.
We also reiterate our concern about the challenges that the Court continues to face in relation to its requests for cooperation, and recall the obligations incumbent upon States Parties to cooperate fully with the Court in the investigation and prosecution of crimes within its jurisdiction.
Non-States Parties too are under an obligation to cooperate fully with the Court in those situations referred to the Court by the UN Security Council.
Looking ahead, the universalization of the Rome Statute remains a critical factor in the fight against impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes. Closing the “universality gap”, including on the crime of aggression through the ratification of the Kampala amendments, is key to bridging the “accountability gap”. We therefore welcome Armenia as a new State party and encourage other States to accede to the Statute.
Madam President,
Victims of international crimes across the globe turn to the ICC as their best hope for justice and redress. Italy supports the focus on victims’ rights and participation promoted by the Court. It is in this spirit that we have supported the Trust Fund for Victims through regular voluntary contributions.
To conclude, Madam President, the Court plays a critical role in strengthening and enforcing the rule of law in international relations. In a world still plagued by violence, conflict and gross violations of human rights, the principles and values underpinning the Court, which are enshrined in the Statute, are as relevant today as they were 25 years ago.
Italy therefore reiterates its firm commitment to upholding these principles, supporting the Court and promoting the cause of justice.
Thank you.
