Statement by H.E. Ambassador OSUGA Takeshi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the seventy-sixth session of the United Nations General Assembly, 29th Plenary Meeting on the Report of the International Criminal Court (Agenda Item 77)
2021/11/11
Mr. President,
Japan has historically been and will continue to be committed to fighting against impunity and promoting the rule of law. We are proud to contribute constructively to the discussions on the ICC reform as the largest provider of financial support to the Court.
Mr. President,
The ICC is the world’s only permanent international criminal tribunal. This puts the Court in a unique position to fulfill an irreplaceable mandate. We are left in no doubt that the ICC should strive to strengthen its universality through wider membership.
To this end, Japan has always underscored the importance of forging a cooperative relationship between the Court and non-States Parties, and maintaining established interpretation of the principle of complementarity since the adoption of Rome Statute.
In this context, Japan commends Prosecutor Khan for adopting a more nuanced approach in addressing issues where interests of non-States Parties are at stake. We also value his decision to observe a strict construction of the principle of complementarity. It is our hope that incorporating such an approach into the Court’s activities will help the Court move closer to universal membership.
Mr. President,
It is worth acknowledging that the ICC is dealing with a growing number of situations and cases. This trend has heightened the need to set proper priorities for situations and cases, and expedite investigation, prosecution and judicial proceedings, thereby producing tangible outcomes.
Japan reiterates that the ICC is first and foremost an international organization before being a judicial body. Ensuring good governance supported by the States Parties is thus a matter of paramount importance. With this in mind, Japan looks forward to engaging in thorough discussions on ways to reinforce the organizational strength of the ICC, including through such measures as the adoption of a rotation policy for staff.
Taking this opportunity, Japan welcomes the progress of concrete discussions on the report of the Independent Expert Review, with the aim of pressing forward with the necessary reform of the ICC without delay. Japan will spare no effort in taking an active part in this endeavor.
Mr. President,
In closing, let me stress that the Government of Japan will remain a staunch supporter of the ICC. In close cooperation with the Court and other States Parties, Japan will contribute to the reform of the ICC.
Thank you.
Japan has historically been and will continue to be committed to fighting against impunity and promoting the rule of law. We are proud to contribute constructively to the discussions on the ICC reform as the largest provider of financial support to the Court.
Mr. President,
The ICC is the world’s only permanent international criminal tribunal. This puts the Court in a unique position to fulfill an irreplaceable mandate. We are left in no doubt that the ICC should strive to strengthen its universality through wider membership.
To this end, Japan has always underscored the importance of forging a cooperative relationship between the Court and non-States Parties, and maintaining established interpretation of the principle of complementarity since the adoption of Rome Statute.
In this context, Japan commends Prosecutor Khan for adopting a more nuanced approach in addressing issues where interests of non-States Parties are at stake. We also value his decision to observe a strict construction of the principle of complementarity. It is our hope that incorporating such an approach into the Court’s activities will help the Court move closer to universal membership.
Mr. President,
It is worth acknowledging that the ICC is dealing with a growing number of situations and cases. This trend has heightened the need to set proper priorities for situations and cases, and expedite investigation, prosecution and judicial proceedings, thereby producing tangible outcomes.
Japan reiterates that the ICC is first and foremost an international organization before being a judicial body. Ensuring good governance supported by the States Parties is thus a matter of paramount importance. With this in mind, Japan looks forward to engaging in thorough discussions on ways to reinforce the organizational strength of the ICC, including through such measures as the adoption of a rotation policy for staff.
Taking this opportunity, Japan welcomes the progress of concrete discussions on the report of the Independent Expert Review, with the aim of pressing forward with the necessary reform of the ICC without delay. Japan will spare no effort in taking an active part in this endeavor.
Mr. President,
In closing, let me stress that the Government of Japan will remain a staunch supporter of the ICC. In close cooperation with the Court and other States Parties, Japan will contribute to the reform of the ICC.
Thank you.