Armenian FM makes speech at 23rd Session of the Assembly of States  Parties to Rome Statute of ICC

ArmInfo. Madam President of  the Assembly, Distinguished delegates, 

At the outset, I would like to congratulate the President of the  Assembly, for a successful year of leadership. Her efforts in guiding  the States Parties in these turbulent and challenging times are truly  appreciated.  

It is the first time the representative of the Republic of Armenia  addresses the Session of the Assembly as a full-fledged member to the  Rome Statute. So, we are making our first steps on this path, but we  are ready to play an active role. The milestone decision to become a  member of this august body was not an easy one.  But having in mind  the history of Armenia, we were firm in our belief that elimination  of impunity, promotion of justice and accountability is of utmost  importance and that it can only be achieved by uniting our efforts.  

We believe that the International Criminal Court is an important  element of international law. It also enhances the development of  international law and makes it more appropriate to the present-day  challenges.  And, perhaps most importantly, it delivers justice to  the victims of atrocities, which is a vital element for peace and  reconciliation. Therefore, Armenia fully acknowledges and accepts the  responsibility to actively contribute to the strengthening and  advancement of the Court.  

Regrettably, the geography of the most serious international crimes  is expanding, and technological developments unveil new methods and  opportunities for committing them. It is imperative that like-minded  countries spare no effort to prevent and punish the gravest crimes,  that challenge humanity: genocide, war crimes, crimes against  humanity, and aggression. We have already witnessed too many  instances when the early warning and early actions are undermined by  narrow political interests, paralyzing effective functioning of  international bodies directly responsible for maintenance of  international peace and security.  In this regard, strengthening the  prevention mechanisms, such as early warning capabilities along with  the deterring potential of the international courts, in particular  International Criminal Court, can lead us to a safer world.  

Only by reinforcing the global consensus and conviction that the most  serious crimes are intolerable and that accountability is crucial for  lasting and sustainable peace we will ensure that justice is not a  privilege for the few but a right for all. Armenia is ready to be  very active in the processes of supporting regional and international  collaboration to prevent impunity and strengthen adherence to  international norms. We believe that a cooperative spirit among  nations strengthens not only the ICC but also our collective ability  to uphold justice and the rule of law.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As a long-standing supporter of the genocide prevention agenda,  Armenia has been at the forefront of international action for  strengthening of policies and practices against the crime of  genocide, as well as building a global community network to advance  the methods of prevention. Hence, Armenia initiated the Global Forum  Against the Crime of Genocide in regular observance of the  International Day of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the  Prevention of this Crime, designated by the UN General Assembly  Resolution. Armenia is proud to be the penholder of that Resolution.  

In conclusion, I would like to refer to the victim-centered nature of  the ICC. We believe that victims deserve access to impartial justice,  as the unpunished crimes lead to recurrence and repetition. In the  context of supporting the victims, allow me to express a profound  gratitude to the Trust Fund for Victims for supporting and  implementing programs addressing the harms resulting from the Rome   Statute Crimes.  

I thank you.