ICC: Zappia calls to all Member “to respect its integrity, independence”

NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 2 – “The International Criminal Court is a central component of the rule-based international order and a fundamental instrument for fighting impunity and strengthening accountability for the most heinous crimes. We call upon all Member States to respect its integrity and independence”, the Italian Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Mariangela Zappia, said today addressing a General Assembly debate on the ICC

“In the last months, we have observed with great concern political attacks and the adoption of sanctions against the Court and its personnel. We call upon all Member States to respect the integrity and independence of the Court. States Parties to the Rome Statute have a responsibility in defending the integrity and independence of the Court and Italy will continue to do its part in this respect”, said Zappia.

Italy today joined 70 other Member States expressing support to the Court. “With regard to this year’s report, Italy is particularly appreciative of the efforts made by the ICC in adapting its working methods to the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and in the progress made in a number of investigations and proceedings despite the difficult circumstances”, said the Italian Ambassador pointing out that the number of victims participating in proceedings (more than 11,000) in the reporting period is testimony to the fact that the Court remains an indispensable institution of last resort for the still too many individuals who have fallen victim of the most atrocious crimes.

“It is Italy’s firm view that the focus on victims is an essential element of international criminal justice”, Zappia added: “The Court’s role is not only to bring perpetrators to justice, but equally to deliver justice to those primarily affected by crimes committed, thus contributing to sustainable peace and post-conflict reconciliation”. For these reasons, Italy has decided to contribute to the Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) at the International Criminal Court (ICC), thus supporting its efforts in ensuring reparations and providing physical, psychological, and material support to victims and their families. (@OnuItalia)