Remarks by Commissioner McGrath at the Annual Ministerial Meeting of the Informal Ministerial Network for the International Criminal Court

Remarks by Commissioner McGrath at the Annual Ministerial Meeting of the ICC

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The international legal order, and the institutions that have been built to uphold, protect, and defend it, serve the causes of peace and justice for all States around the world. This is why the European Union is unwavering in its commitment to the Rome Statute and to safeguarding the independence and integrity of the International Criminal Court.

Accountability for the perpetrators of international crimes and justice for their victims remain fundamental to fighting impunity globally. And international crimes comprise offences so grave, that their commission concerns the international community as a whole. This is why the European Union regrets recent decisions by some States Parties to withdraw from the Rome Statute and encourages all States to support the universality of the Rome Statute and the ICC.

The European Union condemns any threats or attacks against the Court, elected officials, personnel and those cooperating with the Court - including representatives from civil society. And we oppose, and express deep regret over, the Executive Order issued by the U.S. President in February last year that authorised the imposition of sanctions against ICC officials, in addition to the most recent sanctions against the President of the Court.

The European Union calls for the withdrawal of any sanctions against the elected officials of the ICC. The ICC must be able to work independently and impartially. This is why the Commission, together with the European External Action Service, will continue to examine all the feasible tracks of action available to support the Court, its stakeholders, and its operators.

As we gather here in New York in the week of the UN General Assembly, let us remind ourselves that the ICC serves to support the UN's aims of an international community built on international law, human rights, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. And let us revitalise the principle that for peace to be durable, it must be grounded in legality, justice, and respect for human dignity.

In an increasingly confrontational world, let us leave today having reasserted our shared commitment to serving accountability and justice, which themselves serve peace and reconciliation.

Thank you.