The Presidency of the Assembly of the States Parties to the Rome Statute expresses its deep concern over the reported issuance of an additional arrest warrant by the Russian Federation authorities against a Judge of the International Criminal Court.
The Presidency of the Assembly regrets this new attempt to undermine the international mandate of the International Criminal Court and reiterates that it stands firmly by the Court, its elected officials, and its personnel. We once again underscore our full confidence in the ICC as an independent and impartial court of law.
The International Criminal Court represents the commitment of its States Parties to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole. We urge all States to respect its judicial independence and stand united against impunity.
We call upon States Parties and all stakeholders of the Rome Statute system of justice to reaffirm their commitment to defend the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute and to preserve the Court's integrity undeterred by any threats against the Court, its officials and personnel, as well as those cooperating with it.
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The Assembly of States Parties is the management oversight and legislative body of the ICC. It is comprised of representatives of States that have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute. The Presidency of the Assembly is currently composed of H.E. Ms. Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, (Argentina) President; and H.E. Ms. Kateřina Sequensová (Czech Republic) and H.E. Mr. Robert Keith Rae (Canada), Vice-Presidents.
