IBA convenes officials and diplomats to discuss accountability for international crimes through strengthened support for the ICC
The International Bar Association’s (IBA) International Criminal Court and International Criminal Law (ICC & ICL) Programme and Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) convened officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) with state representatives in Geneva. They discussed the role that the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) can play to promote accountability for international crimes through strengthened support for the ICC.
IBA Executive Director Dr Mark Ellis commented: ‘The IBA remains steadfast in its support for initiatives that foster dialogue between institutions tasked with protecting the rights of victims of serious crimes. All states share a mutual interest in ensuring accountability for international crimes before the International Criminal Court and in reinforcing the global response to grave human rights abuses. When the rule of law is at stake, states must uphold their commitments, speak out, and actively support the institutions designed to safeguard justice.’
On 18 March, the IBA’s ICC & ICL Programme and the IBAHRI organised a side event in the margins of the 58th session of the UNHRC in Geneva to discuss strategies and concrete measures to enhance political support for and strengthen cooperation between the ICC and the UNHRC. The event was organised in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Belgium in Geneva which represents, defends and advances Belgium’s interests with UN organisations and was co-sponsored by permanent missions of Chile and Sierra Leone.
Experts, state representatives and civil society organisations took part in the discussion. The President of the ICC’s ASP, HE Ambassador Päivi Kaukoranta, the ICC Registrar, Osvaldo Zavala Giler and the ICC Deputy Prosecutor, Nazhat Shameem Khan, delivered remarks during the event, which was moderated by HE Ambassador Christophe Payot, permanent representative of Belgium to the UN and international institutions in Geneva.
HE Ambassador Kaukoranta said: ‘In a world of fragmented international relations, the ICC remains steadfast in pursuing its mission. However, the Court is attacked as a consequence of executing the mandate that was given to it by States Parties. With threats and sanctions looming over the Court, it is important that States Parties take measures to protect and support it. The independence and security of the Court depend on such measures by its States Parties.’
Ms Khan commented: ‘Advancing justice and protecting human rights are mutually reinforcing movements. Stronger networks with UN-mandated mechanisms are crucial in our work towards accountability for international crimes.’
Mr Zavala Giler stated: ‘Defending the ICC is not just about defending a single institution; it is about defending the principles that allow us to live in a world where might does not make right, where power is constrained by law, and where no one – not even the most powerful – stand above justice. Ultimately, the danger of undermining the ICC is that it will set a blueprint for dismantling all international accountability mechanisms and the wider human rights system.’
HE Ambassador Christophe Payot said: ‘The institutions that are supposed to uphold the most basic principles of international law are increasingly under attack. If we cannot ensure accountability for violations of international law, including human rights law, then the rules-based international order itself is threatened.’
ICC officials, together with UNHRC stakeholders and Geneva-based diplomatic representations, also engaged in a private briefing co-organised by the IBA ICC & ICL Programme and the IBAHRI, the Permanent Mission of Belgium and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.
ENDS
Contact: IBApressoffice@int-bar.org
Notes
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The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession, is the foremost organisation for international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Established in 1947, shortly after the creation of the United Nations, it was born out of the conviction that an organisation made up of the world's bar associations could contribute to global stability and peace through the administration of justice.
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The IBA commenced the International Criminal Court and International Criminal Law (ICC & ICL) Programme in 2005. Since its establishment, the IBA ICC & ICL Programme has contributed to the development of international criminal justice through monitoring and analysing issues related to fairness and equality of arms at the ICC, and through conducting outreach to deepen the understanding of the place of the ICC within the broader landscape of international justice and in particular contexts. The Programme works to increase cooperation with and support for the ICC and other accountability efforts, with the goal of strengthening the Rome Statute system globally and achieving fair, effective, and accessible justice for victims of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression.
The Programme also acts as the interface between the Courts and the global legal community. As such, special focus is placed on monitoring emerging issues of particular relevance to lawyers and collaborating with key partners on specific activities to increase engagement of the legal community on ICC and ICL issues.
Based in The Hague, the IBA ICC & ICL Programme consults and engages with court officials, state representatives, civil society organisations, academics, and international lawyers.
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Kate Orlovsky
Director, Hague Office
International Bar Association
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Email: kate.orlovsky@int-bar.org
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Francesca Restifo
Senior Human Rights Lawyer, Representative to the UN, Geneva
International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute
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1202 Genève, Switzerland
The Netherlands
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Email: Francesca.Restifo@int-bar.org
Website: www.ibanet.org/IBAHRI
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