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Statement by H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Minami

Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations

On Agenda Item 78:

Report of the International Criminal Court

6 November 2015

                                                                                                                                                   

Mr. President of the General Assembly,

Madame President of the International Criminal Court,

Distinguished Delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

         At the outset, I would like to thank President Silvia Fernandez De Gurmendi for her comprehensive report on the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

 

         Japan’s basic policy towards the Court is to enable it to function effectively in a sustainable manner with the support of the international community. Japan is proud of being the largest financial contributor and of sending capable human resources including judges to the Court.

 

Mr. President,

 

         While the ICC has demonstrated progress in the past 13 years, some challenges still remain. One of them is sustainability of the Court. The Court has been exercising its jurisdiction over 9 situations, more than 10 suspects remain at large and 9 preliminary examinations are going on. However, its financial and human resources are limited and should be used in a most efficient manner. My delegation supports the “Lessons Learnt” initiative of the Court and closely follows the work of the Study Group on Governance in The Hague.

 

Mr. President,

 

         Another challenge is the effectiveness of the Court. We see issues related to executing arrest warrants and collecting evidence. Its experience in the past 13 years tells us that the cooperation among the states concerned  is one of the key elements for a more effective implementation of the Rome Statute.

 

         My delegation is of the view that capacity building in legislation and criminal justice systems of states concerned can serve justice and reconciliation and thereby contribute to effective cooperation from them. Enhanced capacity will also enable national authorities in concerned states to conduct investigation, prosecution and punishment in close cooperation with international community Japan is willing to play a positive role in the field of capacity building.

 

         Cooperation is also crucial in the situations where the Security Council refers to the Court. The ICC can function more effectively when the Security Council follows up  the situations in close cooperation with concerned states With the support of Member States, Japan will become a member of the Security Council from January next year. My delegation wishes to contribute to further deepening dialogue and cooperation between the two bodies from inside the Council.

 

Mr. President,

 

         In closing, I wish to express the sincere appreciation of Japan for the work that the ICC has accomplished to date. It is our hope that the ICC will continue to work diligently in the fight against impunity and to consolidate its credibility and reputation both inside and outside the Rome Statute system. Japan, for its part, is determined to strengthen its contribution to the ICC and consequently to the establishment of the rule of law in the international community.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.