International
Criminal Justice Day:Why Cyprus is joining the
celebrations
- Article by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr I. Kasoulides
17
July 1998 sawthe adoption of the Rome Statute, the treatyon the basis of which
the International Criminal Court (ICC) came into existence. To mark this milestone
as well as the significant gains that have been achieved more broadly in
international criminal justice, 17 July has been established as “International
Criminal Justice Day.”
Cyprus
and I personally proudly join the commemoration of this occasion and the international
campaign to underline that “Justice Matters”. Some brief information on the
work of the ICC and the ideals it represents should suffice to understand why
we have deemed it important to do so.
The
ICC is today the only permanent, international criminal court with the
competence to prosecute the perpetrators of the gravest of crimes namely
genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Moreover, provided a
sufficient number of Member States ratify the relevant amendment to the Rome
Statute, the Court will acquire jurisdiction also over the Crime of Aggression.
These are all crimes which deeply offend the conscience of humanity.
The
roots of the Court can be traced back to at least the Nuremberg and Tokyo trials
after World War II,which were followed, more recently, by the ad hoc and hybrid
international tribunals such as theInternational Criminal Tribunal for the
Former Yugoslavia, the International Criminal Tribunal forRwanda andthe
Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia.The creation of the ICC was
thought by many to be a mission impossible. Yet for the last twelve years it has
been tangibly contributing to the advancement of international justice.
As of
today, the ICChas 122 Member States whilst more States have expressed their
intention to join. Twenty-one cases in eightcountries have been brought before
the ICC which has rendered its first verdicts. Additionally, a number of other
preliminary examinations are being carried out. The Court is also giving a
voice to the victims of crimes by providing for their participation in its
proceedings.
As is
the case with any young institution in pursuit of ambitious goals, the Court has
not been without its challenges. And new ones will no doubt arise. A number of
challenges have been overcome thanks to the determination and spirit of
cooperation that have prevailed amongst all stakeholders in this project. I am
convinced that these same qualities shall guide us in addressing existing and
future challenges. Our decisions – andthis goes especially for us Member States–
need to continue promoting the independence, credibility and efficiency of the
Court.
Cyprus
has been a committed supporter of the Court from its very beginning, a
commitment which I reiterate today. I can attribute this to at least three main
factors. Firstly, we consider it a moral obligation to promote the
accountability for atrocities irrespective of where these arecommitted. Secondly,
we are steadfast supporters of the strengthening of international law as a
means to a more just and peaceful international order. And thirdly, the fact
that our country itself continues to experience the effects of injustice committedfor
forty years,renders the mission of the Court even more salient for us.
It
is indicative that Cyprus, a Member of the ICC as early as 2002, has been one
of the first countries to ratify the amendments to the Rome Statute adopted in
Kampala in 2010, including the amendment concerning the Crime of Aggression. Our
countryhas also enjoyed the privilege of contributing one of its best-known judges,
Judge GeorghiosPikis, who served on the Court between 2003 and 2009. Currently
Cyprus is actively engaged in, among other things, the promotion of theuniversalizationand
full implementation of the Rome Statute, elements which are vital for the achievement
of the Court’s mission. It is our hope that in the time to come more States
will be joining us in this collective endeavour.
On
International Criminal Justice Day we rightly celebrate the important advances
that have been achieved in international criminal justice. But even more work
lies ahead. Current events compel us to reiterate our enduring concern at the horrendous
crimes still being committed in many parts of the world.
These,
painfully remind us that justice does matter andthat it matters a great deal.
This is why I have deemed it important for our country and I to join the
commemoration of International Criminal Justice Day.
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