Many thanks to Ireland for organizing this crucial meeting, and thank you, Madam Chair. I also want to express my gratitude to the Prosecutor and our excellent briefers for their insightful comments. The UK naturally supports the declaration that Mexico read out on our behalf.
A key component of British foreign policy is promoting international criminal justice and accountability, and the ICC, the first and only permanent court of its type, represents a major advancement in attempts to put an end to impunity for the world’s worst crimes.
The UK continues to be a steadfast supporter of the Court’s work as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute’s coming into effect.
In this vein, we take notice of the Rome Statute’s requirement for States Parties to cooperate with the Court and urge all States to do the same whenever relevant UN Security Council Resolutions so mandate. At the same time, we keep pleading with the Council to take action when non-compliance problems arise.
The Security Council is tasked with maintaining global peace and security, but far too frequently, it has fallen short of defending civilians from crimes against humanity, genocide, and other mass atrocity crimes. By doing this, it runs the risk of losing public support and legitimacy among other UN members.
This is why the United Kingdom is pleased to have ratified the Code of Conduct for Security Council action against crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes along with 122 other Member States.
We have so pledged not to vote against any credible draft resolution that seeks to avert or put a stop to mass atrocities.
The greatest ICC referral in its history has been made as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, reports of crimes, and purposeful attacks on civilians.
The UK is happy to have taken the lead in that initiative, which won the support of 42 other nations.
We will do everything possible to support the ongoing ICC inquiry and other ICC investigations while still upholding the independence of the Court.
In order to guarantee that the Court provides victims with justice and holds those responsible for the most serious crimes of international concern accountable, we will continue to show our support for the Court and collaborate with States Parties and the Court.