Interactive Panel Discussion on International Justice Day

– As delivered –

Statement by H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, President of the 72^nd Session of the UN General Assembly, at Interactive Panel Discussion on International Justice Day

Good morning, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Colleagues,

To those who have travelled from afar, welcome to the United Nations!

Today, I would like to talk about the role of the International Criminal Court. I will especially focus on the link between multilateralism and the rule of law. Also, I will look at how our event today complements the overall move of the United Nations and its Member States towards a more preventive approach to peace.

And in doing so I will make three main points.

But, first, let me congratulate you all for the latest milestone in our work to end impunity. The International Criminal Court now has the jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. This achievement further strengthens the Rome Statute which was adopted 20 years ago – an anniversary that we celebrate today.

So, my first point is that the rule of law is a pillar of multilateralism. And, internationally, one cannot exist without the other.

We can see this both throughout history – and we can see it today.

Historically, the United Nations General Assembly, was the origin of the Rome Statute. The journey towards its adoption began right here in December 1948 – when the General Assembly adopted the Genocide Convention.

Over the coming decades, the General Assembly was the engine moving us forward – from drafting texts and resolutions, to establishing an ad hoc committee and a preparatory committee.

Finally, on 17 July 1998 the diplomatic Conference adopted the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court. This Conference was held under the umbrella of the United Nations. So, it is fair to say that the Assembly – our chief deliberative and most representative multilateral body – is key to upholding the rule of law. And in turn, the rule of law is a foundation of the United Nations.

More recently, in 2010, the Review Conference agreed to give the Court jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. Following the decision of the State Parties to the Rome Statute last December, perpetrators will now be held accountable for this crime – for the first time ever.

This latest accomplishment strengthens the Rome Statute and brings us closer to the ideals laid out in our Charter. Which leads me to my second point, about the important role the Court has played over the last two decades.

And, actually, this point is really about people. Men, women and children who have suffered unspeakably at the hands of war criminals. People who, before 1998, were left without justice. People whose rights have been vindicated.

The United Nations Charter and the Rome Statute were both made for the people of this world. These documents are not merely words on paper. The principles of the Rome Statute are applied through the International Criminal Court to bring perpetrators to justice. And, hopefully, to deter individuals from committing these heinous crimes in the future.

And, here, I want to point out that there is more and more understanding that accountability acts as a strong prevention mechanism.

So, not only has the ICC vindicated the rights of victims and survivors – it is also contributing to preventing others from suffering similar fates.

This brings me to my third point, about prevention.

We know that atrocity crimes usually occur in wartime.

And so, it follows that if we can prevent conflict, we also have a better chance of preventing atrocity crimes.

We know already that conflict prevention is cheaper and that it saves lives. In fact, last April, at the High-Level Meeting on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace, we heard overwhelming support for a stronger focus on conflict prevention. And this is particularly encouraging because the primary responsibility to prevent atrocity crimes lies with States.

If we want to advance human rights and sustainable development, preventing conflict is not an option. It is a necessity. Otherwise, we will take steps back – not only in our efforts to bring about peace, but in all of the United Nations’ work.

And we have seen the legacy of war – generations are lost; families shattered; and it is a huge blow to the economy. When I visited Rwanda this year I also saw the aftermath of genocide. Most striking was the impact on people.

Later this year we will celebrate the 70th anniversaries of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. To honour these agreements, we must continue to resist any and all encroachments on international law. For the last seventy plus years we have successfully avoided another world war. But we cannot be complacent.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Before I conclude, I would like to call for a recommitment to international justice on this day. And to reiterate the need to focus on victims.

The Rome Statute was written by States. It was agreed by States. And it concerns States.

But, really, it is here for people.

Both, the people who have suffered in ways many of us have only seen in our worst nightmares.

And the people who are at risk. There is still time to prevent them from suffering a similar fate.

Thank you.