Mr President,
Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the European Union and would like to provide some additional remarks in a national capacity.
At the outset, I wish to congratulate the new President of the International Criminal Court and the new judges on their election. I wish to thank President Akane for presenting early today a very informative and comprehensive report on the activities carried out by the Court over the past year.
Italy has been at the forefront of the development of an effective international criminal justice system, and it considers the Court an indispensable institution and a bulwark against impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.
As a strong and convinced supporter of the rule of law in international relations, Italy is fully committed to supporting the Court, promoting accountability and upholding the cause of justice, especially in a time in which the basic principles of international law, including those protecting human dignity, are often disregarded.
We therefore welcome the significant progress made by the Court in a number of investigations and proceedings, as highlighted in the report. The judicial and investigative activities of the Court in the past year are testament to the relevance of the Court in an age in which the core principles of international law are put into question in too many parts of the world.
We welcome Armenia’s recent ratification of the Rome Statute and Ukraine’s deposit of its act of ratification on October the 25th. On January the 1st 2025, the threshold of 125 UN Member States parties to the Rome Statute will be reached.
States Parties must contribute to consolidate this momentum. That implies a renewed commitment to preserving the integrity of the Rome Statute, promoting its universality, respecting the independence of the Court and ensuring that it is well equipped to carry out its mandate. We continue to express great concern in regard to the threats and the criminal proceedings initiated by one Member State against the Prosecutor and some Judges of the Court.
Threats and attacks, including cyberattacks and espionage activities, are unacceptable and Italy will continue to do its utmost to defend the Court’s integrity and independence, regardless of the source of such threats and attacks.
We also note with concern the serious challenges that the Court continues to face in relation to its requests for cooperation, including for the execution of its outstanding arrest warrants, and we call on States parties to comply with their obligations under the Rome Statute. We also stress the obligations under international law upon all UN Member States, in particular in cases referred to the Court by the Security Council.
We are also following with great attention the ongoing reform process, which offers an important opportunity to enhance the Court’s delivery of justice, while ensuring full compliance with the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute.
Mr. President,
We are glad to note that during the reporting period, approximately 24,000 victims participated and benefitted from reparation programs of the Court, especially through the Trust Fund. 69% of those victims were women – a group that is particularly vulnerable especially in situations of armed conflict. Italy welcomes the prominence that reparations to victims have gained in the Court’s work, as we are convinced that the focus on victims is an essential element of international criminal justice. For this reason, Italy has just approved another voluntary contribution to the Trust Fund for Victims for 2024.
By upholding the perpetrators of international crimes accountable and repairing the harm suffered by victims and communities, not only does the Court deliver justice, but it also contributes to creating the conditions for sustainable peace. There can be no lasting peace without justice.
Finally, we look forward to adoption of this year’s resolution and take the opportunity to thank the Netherlands for its facilitation.
I thank you, Mr. President.
