Baltic statement at the ICC 25th anniversary ministerial roundtable
Updated 2023-07-17
Statement on behalf of the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Lithuania and the Republic of Latvia by H.E. Mr. Egils Levits at the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, Ministerial Roundtable on Monday, 17 July, New York.
Mr. President,
I have the honor to speak today on behalf of the three Baltic States – Estonia, Lithuania and my own country, Latvia.
Today, we gather here to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute – an unprecedented milestone in the pursuit of justice and accountability for the gravest crimes of international law. As we reflect on this momentous occasion, we must recognize both – the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead in our collective journey toward a more just and peaceful world.
The establishment of the ICC is a powerful testament to our shared belief that accountability should prevail over impunity and that justice should be accessible to all. Today, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to these principles and express our gratitude to those who have worked tirelessly to bring justice to victims and affected communities.
We acknowledge the remarkable progress ICC has made in fulfilling its mandate. The Court independently and impartially has investigated and prosecuted individuals responsible for genocide, war crimes and the crimes against humanity in accordance with general principles of criminal law and human rights. Hence not only strengthening international justice but also serving as a beacon of hope for survivors and victims, offering them a platform to voice their suffering and seek redress.
From the very beginning Baltic States have been State Parties to the Rome Statute and maintained their support throughout time. Lithuania’s candidate, professor and a former justice of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania Ms. Toma Birmontienė was nominated for election as a judge back in 2014. We are proud that Judge Ms. Anita Ušacka who served at the ICC from 2003 to 2015, and was the first and so far, the only judge from the Baltic States. During her tenure, she contributed to the Court’s work in promoting justice, the rule of law and the pursuit of accountability for grave international crimes. Her unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice in the face of grave atrocities has left an indelible mark on the ICC’s legacy. Her presence at the ICC showcased the region’s deep-rooted belief in the importance of international criminal justice. This year Andres Parmas has been nominated by Estonia as a candidate for election as a judge of the ICC.
Mr. President,
Today we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. The ICC’s jurisdiction remains limited, as not all nations have ratified the Rome Statute. We call upon those who have not yet done so to consider joining the global consensus in the fight against impunity. Moreover, the Court’s effectiveness is directly linked to the support provided by its State Parties, both in terms of resources and cooperation. We urge all nations to enhance their cooperation with the ICC and provide the necessary assistance to facilitate its crucial work.
In this anniversary we wish the Court to overcome the challenges and to continue improvement by striving for greater efficiency and effectiveness while maintaining the highest standards of due process. We also encourage the Court to strengthen its outreach efforts, promoting awareness of its mandate and strengthening ties between the Court and affected communities. By doing so, we eventually will instill greater confidence in the ICC and ensure its relevance in the face of evolving challenges.
Mr. President,
We commend the ICC for the opened investigation by the Prosecutor of the ICC regarding alleged atrocity crimes in Ukraine and for issuing the arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova in relation to the forced deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia. These arrest warrants and investigation show how the ICC is progressing.
However, as the International Criminal Court does not have jurisdiction over the crime of aggression the establishment of ad hoc International Special Tribunal, would be the most appropriate tool that would also complement the jurisdiction of the Court in the fight against impunity.
In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly over the past 25 years to advance the cause of international criminal justice. The road ahead may be challenging, but with our collective efforts, we can continue to make progress toward a more just and peaceful world – a world that respects the dignity and worth of every individual.
Thank you.
