Statement of the President on the Report of the International Criminal Court (ICC)

New York – 30 October, 2014

Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I welcome Judge Sang-Hyun Song, President of the International Criminal Court, to the General Assembly, who will be presenting a report on the work of the Court.

The ICC was established as an independent international court to close a historical legal void relating to serious crimes, such as: genocide; war crimes; crimes against humanity; and crimes against aggression.

Given its mandate, the principle of universality remains central to the court, and should continue aiming toward this direction. It should also strive to ensure that it dispenses justice in a fair and balanced way, both in law and practice. When this happens, its credibility is enhanced as an impartial and fair institution.

I have noted that the Court is reaching out to strengthen its cooperation with the United Nations and regional organizations. This outreach must continue, with a view to enhancing the complementarity role of the court.The court should also support the primacy of national jurisdictions in this regard.