Checked Against Delivery
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Denmark.
We thank the President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Akane, for presenting the annual report of the International Criminal Court to the General Assembly. We regret that she could not attend this meeting in person.
President,
The United Nations and the ICC are both critical to preserving the international rule of law. As the only permanent international criminal court with a global mandate and jurisdiction over the most serious international crimes, the ICC continues to make a vital contribution to the rule of law at the international level.
We therefore strongly disagree with the recent announcement of institutional sanctions imposed on the court and urge for their withdrawal. The sanctions are threatening not only the court as an institution, but the international community and the rules-based world order. Sanctions propagate the impunity of those who commit the most serious international crimes, denying justice to their victims. We find these sanctions unacceptable.
We recognise the exceptional difficulties that sanctions entail for the Court, its officials and those cooperating with the ICC. We commend the Court for its continued work to effectively fulfil its mandate in face of these challenges and appreciate the Court’s ongoing work to mitigate the impact of the sanctions. These efforts are vital to ensuring continuity of administration of justice and for upholding the rights of victims.
The ICC must be able to exercise its mandate under the Rome Statute independently and impartially, free from political interference, intimidation and external pressure. We reaffirm our unwavering support for the Court in these challenging times and are open to constructive engagement with non-States Parties, based on our commitment on furthering the objectives of accountability and justice for serious international crimes, and our role as States Parties to the Rome Statute.
Mr. President,
As Nordic countries, we look forward to the upcoming judicial elections at the Assembly of States Parties in The Hague. We commend the 12 candidates for standing up for international justice and being undeterred in their personal commitment to the fight against impunity.
We respectfully request States Parties to support the first-ever Danish candidate for election as judge at the ICC. Danish High Court Judge Ms. Mette Lyster Knudsen is highly respected for her professionalism and extensive experience and enjoys the full support of all five Nordic countries. She represents the long-standing Nordic commitment to the rule of law and is exceptionally well qualified to serve as judge of the ICC.
President,
The international community continues to witness widespread proliferation of armed conflicts. In conflicts and other situations alike, atrocity crimes are being committed with impunity. In these precarious times, the pledge enshrined in the Rome Statute – to guarantee lasting respect for and the enforcement of international justice – remains as vital as ever.
Mr. President,
Twenty-four years ago, the establishment of the Court reflected not only the determination of holding perpetrators accountable, but also to make victim’s rights an essential part of the Court’s mandate. The Nordic countries are long-standing supporters of the Trust Fund for Victims and its efforts to provide redress to victims of atrocities.
In closing, Mr. President, the Nordic countries remain unwavering in our support for the Court and for the global fight against impunity. We call on all States, that have not yet done so, to ratify or accede to the Rome Statute. We call on all States Parties to reaffirm their commitment to the Court and look forward to working with them on realizing the vision adopted in Rome.
I thank you.
