Press Releases

[Delivered by Deputy Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the UN, Ms. Polly Ioannou] 

Mr President, 

I would like to thank President Hofmański for the introduction of this year’s Report and to make some national remarks over and above the statement of the European Union and the joint Explanation of Position delivered yesterday by the delegation of Liechtenstein. Cyprus remains a strong supporter of the Rome Statute system, which continues to be as relevant as ever, and will continue to work for the universal ratification and full implementation of the Rome Statute.

Firstly, I wish to acknowledge the Court’s work during the reporting period and to single out the high participation of victims in its proceedings. We must continue to be driven by the endeavor of providing the maximum measure of redress for victims of atrocity crimes.

Secondly, I wish to welcome the additional ratifications of the amendments on the crime of aggression during the reporting period and urge all States Parties to do likewise. As the President stated, while this was recognized as an international crime before the Rome Statute, it was the latter that created a judicial mechanism to enforce this criminalization. Preventing and punishing crimes of aggression is an endeavor inextricably linked to the United Nations, as its genesis was dictated by the need to end aggression and the threat or use of force. We continue to believe that, as the organ responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council should examine very carefully the commission of international crimes in situations before it and consider referrals as a matter of course in its deliberations.

While the ICC has evolved into a key instrument in combatting impunity, preventing future crimes, and promoting an international rules-based order, it has to be acknowledged that international justice remains the most undervalued pillar of our work here at the UN. It is in our hands to ensure that international law and justice are firmly embedded in UN work, as necessary ingredients to realize the objectives of both the UN and the ICC. Institutional cooperation between the two is not only natural but also, indispensable.

Thirdly, in addition to ensuring maximum support for the ICC by the UN, including in the field, the importance of cooperation extended to the Court by UN Member States cannot be overstated. This is particularly crucial in respect of the arrest of persons subject to ICC warrants. While positive developments have occurred this year, such as the lifting of the US economic sanctions and visa restrictions against the Court and its high officials, we must renew our collective commitment to support the ICC in every way and to protect its judicial and prosecutorial independence and integrity.

Fourthly, the Court itself must strive for the highest standards in its performance so as to be in a position to fulfill its mandate. The ongoing work of the Review Mechanism provides an opportunity for the Court to further improve its work in delivering justice to the victims of atrocity crimes and should be taken forward in a manner that respects the independence of the Court. We also wish to commend the Court for rapidly adapting its working methods due to the pandemic, with hybrid proceedings that enabled it to advance its judicial proceedings with only limited delays.

Fifthly, in the past year, the Court has experienced some significant changes in its leadership with the election of six new judges and a new Prosecutor. Cyprus believes that it should remain a high priority to continue strengthening the selection process of the Court’s high officials in order to ensure that only the most highly qualified individuals are selected through fair, transparent, and merit-based processes, including through the establishment of a vetting mechanism.

Finally, Cyprus greatly values the Trust Fund for Victims, and within its capacity, will continue to contribute to its important work.

Thank you.

(EH)