On 11 January 2024, the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Piotr Hofmański, signed a cooperation agreement with the United Nations Latin American Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (ILANUD). The Agreement aims to enhance cooperation and encourage the exchange of knowledge, experience and expertise between the two institutions.
"The objectives of the ICC can be best achieved in close cooperation and partnership with others. The ICC and ILANUD are united by shared goals, such as the rule of law and the pursuit of criminal justice. This agreement reflects our readiness to work together to facilitate the discharge of our respective mandates and opens possibilities to promote greater understanding of the Rome Statute, the ICC's founding treaty, in Latin America, the Caribbean and beyond," President Hofmański stated.
The Director of ILANUD Douglas Durán Chavarría, said: "The main objective of ILANUD has always been the advancement of the human rights approach, which is why a cooperation agreement such as the one now signed with the International Criminal Court is of the utmost relevance for ILANUD, given the outstanding work that the ICC carries out in this field. On the other hand, this new relationship with the ICC is also important for ILANUD because the strengthening of criminal justice systems is particularly relevant for this regional institute of the United Nations, given its special mandate in this area. Therefore, the agreement is an excellent opportunity to work together on issues of mutual interest."
Through this agreement, the two institutions agree to cooperate closely and consult each other on matters of mutual interest. The institutions also intend to conduct training and assistance for their personnel on topics within their respective mandates, including evidence, judicial proceedings, protection of victims and witnesses and prison management.
