Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
New York, 19.07.2023 – In 2023, States Parties to the Rome Statute are celebrating the 25th anniversary of this founding text. It marks the commitment of the international community in the fight against impunity. On July 17, Switzerland took part in the commemorations organized in New York. The following day, she organized, with Japan, an informal meeting of the Security Council on the contribution of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to international peace and security. This session was an opportunity for Switzerland to provide a platform for Member States to express their support for the Court as an independent and impartial judicial institution, and to highlight the role of justice for peace.
The States Parties to the Rome Statute gathered on July 17 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of this founding text. They participated in a ministerial roundtable on the ICC’s strategic vision for the next decade. “With the creation of the International Criminal Court, it is an essential element of the multilateral architecture defending the rule of law that has emerged. The Court deserves the unwavering support of the international community, today, for the decade to come and beyond”, assured Corinne Cicéron Bühler on this occasion. The 25th anniversary of the Rome Statute is an opportunity to celebrate an important achievement by the international community in the fight against impunity. This text gave birth to the Court as an independent judicial body responsible for investigating the most serious crimes: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. These commemorations allow the ICC to gain visibility and help build the political support necessary for its mandate. This meeting was also intended to encourage those who have not yet done so to adhere to the Rome Statute and to reflect on its future.
The following day, UN Member States discussed the Court’s contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security. The informal meeting on July 18 in the “Arria” formula was chaired by Ambassador Corinne Cicéron Bühler, with the title of Secretary of State of the FDFA, and by Ambassador Kimihiro Ishikane, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations. It served as a framework for exchanges of views on the role and importance of the ICC in the fight against impunity in the world. The meeting was also an opportunity for States to reaffirm their commitment to the Rome Statute. President of the Assembly of States Parties Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, Executive Director of the ICC Trust Fund for Victims Deborah Ruiz Verduzco, as well as representatives from academia and civil society presented their visions for the future of the Court in matters of peace and security.
Correlation between justice and lasting peace
The ICC is mandated to deliver justice for the most serious crimes. In cooperation with States, it aims to hold those responsible accountable for their crimes and to prevent them from happening again. Switzerland supports the Court as an independent and impartial judicial institution. During the Security Council meeting, Ambassador Corinne Cicéron Bühler said, “The Security Council is the pillar of international peace and security; the International Criminal Court is the pillar of international criminal justice. Together, they represent milestones in our shared vision of a fairer, safer and more peaceful world”.
The Court shares fundamental values with the United Nations system: peace, security, the rule of law and respect for international law. Collaboration between these two entities is therefore crucial. International justice is an essential condition for lasting peace. The Court also contributes to justice through a victim participation and reparations programme.
25th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute
The Rome Statute was adopted 25 years ago at a diplomatic conference. The treaty defines the crimes of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity as well as the crime of aggression and gives the ICC jurisdiction to prosecute them. This anniversary marks a quarter of a century of commitment by the international community in the fight against impunity. For its part, Switzerland has always been committed to defending and promoting the principles and values of the Rome Statute. It has also supported the Court since its creation, and continues to do so in accordance with its Foreign Policy Strategy 2020-2023.
Address for sending questions
Communication DFAE
West Federal Palace
CH-3003 Berne
Such. Press office: +41 58 460 55 55
E-Mail: [email protected]
Twitter: @EDA_DFAE
Auteur
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
2023-07-19 07:32:07
#occasion #25th #anniversary #Rome #Statute #Switzerland #chairs #meeting #Security #Council #York #International #Criminal #Court
