The Presidency of the Assembly of the States Parties to the Rome Statute is deeply concerned over reported measures by the Russian Federation authorities against the Prosecutor and Judges of the International Criminal Court.
The Presidency of the Assembly regrets these acts of intimidation and unacceptable attempts to undermine the mandate of the International Criminal Court to investigate, sanction and prevent the commission of the gravest international crimes.
The Presidency of the Assembly stands firmly by the International Criminal Court, its elected officials, and its personnel. Safeguarding the Court's integrity, including its judicial and prosecutorial independence, is fundamental to the successful discharge of its mandate. We reiterate 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 reiterate 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.
