Secretary-General Says Tunisia, as First North African State to Join Rome Statute,

Has Shown Strong Leadership in Common Fight to End Impunity

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks on the occasion of Tunisia’s deposit of an instrument of accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, today, 24 June:

Ambassador [Ghazi] Jomaa [of Tunisia], thank you for depositing Tunisia’s instrument of accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court with the Office of Legal Affairs today.

As the first North African state to become a party to the International Criminal Court Statute, Tunisia has shown strong leadership in our common fight to end impunity.  This significant step is particularly important in light of the fundamental changes that have occurred in Tunisia this year.

I am delighted that Ambassador Christian Wenaweser of Liechtenstein, the President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, is here to witness this ceremony.

Today’s accession brings us closer to the General Assembly’s objective of universal accession to this important instrument.  It brings us closer to a true age of accountability.  The world is indebted to the people and the Government of Tunisia for supporting the International Criminal Court. 

Thank you.

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For information media • not an official record