GA: Report of the International Criminal Court

Madam President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the five Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden – and my own country, Iceland.

We thank judge Tomoko Akane, President of the International Criminal Court, for being with us today and for presenting the annual report of the International Criminal Court to the General Assembly 

Madam President,
The international community is currently facing one of its most severe tests since the founding of the United Nations eighty years ago. We are witnessing the most widespread proliferation of armed conflicts since the end of the Second World War. In conflicts and other situations alike, atrocity crimes are being committed with impunity, inflicting untold suffering on civilians and communities. These egregious crimes shock the conscience of humankind and pose a grave threat to international peace and security. In these precarious times, the pledge enshrined in the Rome Statute – to guarantee lasting respect for and the enforcement of international justice – remains as vital as ever.  

The mission of the Rome Statute, and of the ICC, is aligned with and reinforces the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations Charter. Since its establishment, the Court has cemented itself as a pillar of the international justice system. Its work has shed light on atrocity crimes committed across the world and ensures a vital avenue for access to justice. 

However, the capacity of the ICC to fulfil its mandate of upholding accountability and ending impunity is contingent upon effective cooperation between actors who share a common commitment to peace, security and justice. The Nordic countries note with appreciation the continued emphasis placed in the Court’s report on the crucial cooperation and support received from the United Nations and its leadership, in line with the 2004 Relationship Agreement.

Madam President,
The core international crimes of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression are of such a serious nature that their commission is a shared concern of the whole international community. As is recognised in the Rome Statute, each State bears the primary duty to exercise its jurisdiction in respect of these crimes to ensure that they do not go unpunished. 

As the world’s sole permanent international criminal court, the ICC serves as a court of last resort when States are unwilling or unable to prosecute those responsible. The Nordic countries stress that, under the Rome Statute, States Parties have undertaken the solemn obligation to cooperate fully with the Court, and this includes the obligation to comply with requests from the Court for arrests and surrender. All States, whether parties to the Rome Statute or not, can choose to cooperate with the ICC, and we strongly encourage all to do so, in pursuit of justice for victims and survivors of the most serious international crimes

Madam President,
The ICC is a victims’ Court. Its work is not only carried out on account of the victims and survivors of international crimes; it is characterised by and dependent on their active participation. The full realisation of the rights of victims is an integral part of delivering international criminal justice. The Court’s engagement and programmes in service of victims and victim communities are a key feature of its contribution to reparative justice and reconciliation. 

In 2024, approximately 19,500 individuals, 69% of whom were women, benefited directly from the assistance programmes administered by the Trust Fund for Victims. The Nordic countries have consistently supported the Trust Fund, and we encourage States and other entities to support its continuing work by making voluntary contributions. 

Madam President,
The Nordic countries remain gravely concerned about the increased pressure against the Court and its officials. The Court’s report details attacks, threats and coercive measures from States and other external actors. Such actions do not only hamper the Court’s indispensable work but also propagate the impunity of those who commit the most serious international crimes, denying justice to their victims. We reiterate our full commitment to support the ICC and to preserve its integrity from any attacks, threats or pressure, and call on all States to respect the independence and impartiality of the Court. 

We recognise the exceptional difficulties that Court officials, staff and those cooperating with the Court are currently experiencing. We commend them for their ongoing work in the interest of the administration of justice. 

The Nordic countries remain resolute in our enduring commitment to ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, and to the central role of the ICC in that effort. We are heartened to stand alongside other States Parties in solidarity with the Court. 

In this regard, we welcome the outcome of the Special Session of the Assembly of States Parties in July of this year, where the Assembly, by consensus, committed itself to the aim of strengthening the jurisdiction of the Court over the crime of aggression. A crime that, by its definition, is conducted against the Charter’s Purposes and Principles, and of the rules-based international order founded on the Charter.

In closing, Madam President, the Nordic countries are unwavering in our support for the Court’s independence, impartiality, and integrity – and for the global fight against impunity. We call on all States, that have not yet done so, to ratify or accede to the Rome Statute.

I thank you.