Intervento dell’Ambasciatore Inigo Lambertini, Vice Rappresentante Permanente dell’Italia alle Nazioni Unite, durante l’evento in occasione del ventesimo Anniversario dello Statuto di Roma della Corte Penale Internazionale
I would like to thank the organizers for this excellent initiative. Since 2014, and in particular during our Vice Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties, we have been organizing or co-organizing events here in New York to mark the day of international criminal justice.
Today is a very special day since it also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Rome Statute. Moreover, it is also the day that signs the full operation of the amendments on the crime of aggression adopted here in New York last December during the Assembly.
Today’s event is an excellent opportunity for me to reaffirm Italy’s strong support for the ICC, its activities, as well as the principles and purposes that inspire the Rome Statute. Accountability for international crimes represents a major contribution to the protection and promotion of human rights. As a candidate for the Human Rights Council in 2019-2022, Italy firmly believes in the need to place human rights at the core of the international legal order. That is why we must continue to work to achieve the full universality of the Rome Statute and invite States which are not yet parties to consider ratifying the Rome Statute.
An unwavering support and renewed commitment to the fight against impunity must be a priority for us all. History shows us that leaving international crimes unpunished not only is wrong but plants the seeds of new conflicts and atrocities. A solid system of accountability for international crimes is a useful tool for prevention.
Another crucial aspect is the need for appropriate political dialogue on accountability issues. While fundamental principles and imperative norms should never be put in doubt, procedural mechanisms and appropriate solutions fitting for the specific of each situation can be put in place, keeping in mind that the Court is an judicial body of last resort, which operates in cases where national jurisdictions are unable or unwilling, and has jurisdiction over the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole.
Working constantly with domestic authorities in the area of capacity building and judicial cooperation is equally important.
Finally, let me add that the ICC is one element of what should be a larger framework in which Member States and International Institutions must cooperate with one another, with one clear overarching objective: bring to justice those responsible of very serious crimes under international law.
Thank you
