Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, Briefing by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor to the UN Security Council on Darfur

Let me begin by thanking Prosecutor Khan for the 36th report on the situation in Darfur. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is key to upholding the rule of law, and its contribution to the fight against impunity is critical. Japan would like to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the ICC and our support for the tireless efforts, dedication, and leadership of the Office of the Prosecutor.  
 
In 2005, Japan, as a Security Council member at the time, supported Resolution 1593, given the importance of the fight against impunity and the role of the ICC, which is essential for reconciliation among the parties to conflicts in order to achieve sustainable peace and security. The Security Council in that resolution decided that the Government of Sudan and all other parties to the conflict in Darfur shall cooperate fully with and provide any necessary assistance to the Court and the Prosecutor. Sudan is obliged to accept and carry out this decision.  We recall that in Resolution 1593, the Council also urged all States and concerned regional and other international organizations to cooperate fully with the ICC.
 
In this regard, we welcome the substantial progress of the trial of Mr. Abd-Al Rahman, also known as Ali Kushayb, the first ever case of Security Council referral. After 18 years since the referral, we are finally witnessing justice becoming a reality for victims, which the Council has long sought. We urge the Sudanese authorities to fully comply with their obligations under the Security Council resolution, so that we can fulfill the legitimate expectations of survivors, which is long overdue.
 
It is also encouraging to learn that the Prosecutor has increased engagement with victims, witnesses, and affected communities through his visit to Darfur and camps for internally displaced persons. We commend the ICC’s renewed strategic approach including such engagement and empowerment.
 
As the Secretary General mentioned in his statement earlier this month in this Chamber, the ICC is the central institution of the international criminal justice system. We would like to reiterate Japan’s continued support for the Court and our readiness to continue providing both human and financial resources to the Court. Japan is honored to assume the role of focal point of the Council on the ICC-related agenda together with Switzerland, and we look forward to concrete progress on this topic.