On Peace Day, global governments back ICC mission to end impunity
Members highlighted the importance of the international criminal justice system – with the ICC as its center piece – aimed at ensuring that perpetrators of the worst crimes under international law are held to account. In this regard, they underscored the principle of complementarity and the primary responsibility of States in closing the impunity gap.
The Members of the Network recommitted themselves to working towards universality of the Rome Statute and to making use of all appropriate diplomatic channels and occasions to this end – such as the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute. They also welcomed the decisions by South Africa and the Gambia to remain States Parties to the Rome Statute. It was noted that, while unjustified criticism of the Court had decreased, more support for the ICC was needed to promote its positive contribution to peace and justice.
In addition, Members recalled their support for the Assembly of States Parties' work towards activating the ICC’s jurisdiction over the crime of aggression to ensure that perpetrators of the most serious forms of the illegal use of force can be held to account at the international level.
The Informal Ministerial Network for the ICC is comprised of over 30 Ministers from all regions of the world and is coordinated by the Foreign Minister of Liechtenstein.
