10.12.2025 Statement by Denmark at IRMCT debate

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Thank you, Mr. President.

Let me also thank President Gatti Santana and Prosecutor Brammertz for your comprehensive briefings and for your continued contribution and commitment to international criminal justice.

I also welcome the representatives of Serbia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia to today’s debate.

Let me begin by reiterating Denmark’s continued support for the Mechanism. Despite being in its truly residual phase, it continues to play a crucial role in ensuring accountability, ending impunity and preventing future atrocities.

Mr. President, allow me to underline three points.

First, Denmark welcomes the reports presented by both of our briefers today. We appreciate that progress continues to be made in the Mechanism’s important residual work. We further welcome the efforts underway to align the Mechanism with this Council’s vision of a small, temporary and efficient institution. We commend the determination of the Mechanism’s leadership and strongly encourage it to continue to identify further concrete steps to significantly downsize its operational footprint and costs. We reiterate that such efforts must not be at the expense of justice. A continued proper fulfilment of the Mechanism’s mandated responsibilities must be ensured.

Mr. President,

We welcome the Secretary-General’s recent reports on the future of the archives and options for the transfer of certain residual functions of the Mechanism. These reports represent an important contribution towards an eventual and orderly closure of the Mechanism. We will carefully consider the comprehensive recommendations and look forward to discussing them with Council members. As we look to the future, it is crucial that we ensure the preservation of the legacy of the Mechanism and its predecessor tribunals and find the best ways of transferring its residual functions. In this context, we agree with the Secretary General that the archives are “vital tools for educational purposes, reconciliation and memory, as well as prevention efforts.”

Mr. President, my third point,

State cooperation with the Mechanism remains essential. Its ability to conclude its operations depends on this cooperation, including the transfer of suspects subject to arrest warrants. We therefore urge all States to fully cooperate with the Mechanism in accordance with their international obligations and to expedite their efforts to enable the Mechanism to fulfil its mandate.

Mr. President, in closing,

Let me reaffirm Denmark’s steadfast support for the work of the Mechanism and for the pursuit of international criminal justice. Our commitment to supporting the Council’s efforts to combat impunity wherever it exists remains unwavering and we look forward to working with all Council members to this end.

I thank you.