Statement by H.E. Ambassador YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the eightieth session of the United Nations General Assembly, on the Report of the International Criminal Court (Agenda Item 74)

Madam President,
 
First, I would like to express our gratitude to President Akane for her report on the activities of the International Criminal Court. Japan commends the dedication of the judges, prosecutors, and staff members of the Court, who jointly work together to carry out the Court's mandate to fight against impunity and to promote the rule of law.
 
Since the last debate of the ICC report in the General Assembly, the international community has witnessed a significant number of challenges in many parts of the globe. Calls for international peace and stability have grown louder, and the need to pursue accountability for perpetrators of the gravest crimes of concern to the international community has intensified.
 
For the ICC to fulfill its mandate, the universality of the Rome Statute must be further promoted. Japan will continue to support the Court's role and encourage non-States Parties, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, to accede to the Rome Statute.
 
Madam President,
 
Japan welcomes the significant progress made by the ICC in contributing to the global fight against impunity during the reporting period. In particular, the conviction of two defendants for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Central African Republic represents a noteworthy achievement.
 
Japan also notes that the Assembly of States Parties held a Special Session on the Crime of Aggression in July this year. We welcome that the intensive discussions held in the Session yielded a resolution which reflected the shared will of the States Parties and was adopted by consensus. Japan remains committed to continuing discussions to review the Rome Statute. In this regard, it must be emphasized that the discussions should be conducted in a manner that contributes to the effectiveness and universality of the ICC.
 
Madam President,
 
For the further development of international criminal law, it is useful for the Court to engage in regular dialogue with the principal United Nations bodies in the field of international law, particularly with the International Court of Justice and the International Law Commission on matters of interest to each respective institution. Japan expects these institutions to positively contribute to fostering long-term development of the ICC.
 
Finally, Japan emphasizes that the independence and security of the Court should be respected so that it can fulfill its roles and functions. As the largest contributor, Japan remains firmly committed to supporting the ICC's activities and continuing its cooperation to enable the Court to fulfill its essential role.
 
I thank you, Madam President.