Statement by H.E. Ambassador MIKANAGI Tomohiro, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the seventy-ninth session of the United Nations General Assembly, on the Report of the International Criminal Court (Agenda Item 74)
2024/10/28
(As delivered)
Madam Vice President,
First, let me express my sincere appreciation and respect for all the efforts of the International Criminal Court (ICC), led by President Akane, and the Judges, Prosecutors, and staff members in tirelessly fighting against impunity. Japan strongly supports the ICC’s contributions to promoting the “rule of law” and securing “human dignity.”
At a time of multiplying challenges to international peace and security around the world, the role of the ICC has become more important than ever. Perpetrators of serious crimes must be held accountable, and justice under the rule of law must be done.
Madam Vice President,
The independence of the ICC as a juridical institution must be fully respected and its integrity must be preserved from any political interference and pressure against the Court, its officials and those cooperating with it. Over 90 members of the ASP, including Japan, issued a joint statement in support of the ICC as an independent and impartial judicial institution in June this year.
At the same time, Japan counts on the ICC to continue to make sure its proceedings are fair and impartial in accordance with the Rome Statute and other relevant rules. This is the basis of the credibility of the Court and the promotion of universalization of the Rome Statute.
Expanding the number of signatories of the Statute is one of the most effective ways to combat impunity. In this regard, Japan welcomes the most recent decision of Ukraine to ratify the Statute, and invites more countries to join the ICC.
Madam Vice President,
In the “Pact for the Future,” we reaffirmed the imperative of upholding and promoting the rule of law at the international level in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Now is the time to put this commitment into practice in cooperation with the ICC and other international judicial institutions.
In conclusion, Japan reiterates its unwavering commitment to the Court. We are proud to have consistently supported the ICC as its largest financial contributor while being the Co-Focal Point for the Court together with Switzerland at the Security Council. Building on our past contributions, Japan will continue to provide strong support to the ICC.
I thank you, Madam Vice President.
First, let me express my sincere appreciation and respect for all the efforts of the International Criminal Court (ICC), led by President Akane, and the Judges, Prosecutors, and staff members in tirelessly fighting against impunity. Japan strongly supports the ICC’s contributions to promoting the “rule of law” and securing “human dignity.”
At a time of multiplying challenges to international peace and security around the world, the role of the ICC has become more important than ever. Perpetrators of serious crimes must be held accountable, and justice under the rule of law must be done.
Madam Vice President,
The independence of the ICC as a juridical institution must be fully respected and its integrity must be preserved from any political interference and pressure against the Court, its officials and those cooperating with it. Over 90 members of the ASP, including Japan, issued a joint statement in support of the ICC as an independent and impartial judicial institution in June this year.
At the same time, Japan counts on the ICC to continue to make sure its proceedings are fair and impartial in accordance with the Rome Statute and other relevant rules. This is the basis of the credibility of the Court and the promotion of universalization of the Rome Statute.
Expanding the number of signatories of the Statute is one of the most effective ways to combat impunity. In this regard, Japan welcomes the most recent decision of Ukraine to ratify the Statute, and invites more countries to join the ICC.
Madam Vice President,
In the “Pact for the Future,” we reaffirmed the imperative of upholding and promoting the rule of law at the international level in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Now is the time to put this commitment into practice in cooperation with the ICC and other international judicial institutions.
In conclusion, Japan reiterates its unwavering commitment to the Court. We are proud to have consistently supported the ICC as its largest financial contributor while being the Co-Focal Point for the Court together with Switzerland at the Security Council. Building on our past contributions, Japan will continue to provide strong support to the ICC.
I thank you, Madam Vice President.