General Assembly: 35th plenary meeting, 80th session

The 35th plenary meeting of the General Assembly is called to order. The Assembly will continue its consideration of agenda item 74, entitled "Report of the International Criminal Court", Before proceeding further with the remaining speakers on the debate, I give the floor to the representative of Sierra Leone on a point of order.

Thank you. President, Sierra Leone Alliance, with the statement delivered on behalf of the African State Parties to the Rome Statute. This past year again tested the International Criminal Court's resilience. Unilateral coercive measures targeted the Court, its principals and officials, including elected judges, the Prosecutor and his deputies, for carrying out their independent mandates. The unilateral coercive measures have been compounded by sophisticated cyber attacks aimed at infiltrating its systems. These actions are aimed at stigmatizing judicial work, endanger officials, and threaten the court's institutional integrity. Despite these headwinds, the court continues to deliver, sustaining investigations, conducting complex trials, advancing reparations, and preserving hope for victims when domestic avenues fail. Sierra Leone welcomes President George to Moko Akane and Pansa for introducing report A/80/342 and commend the Presidency, the Office of the Prosecutor, the Judiciary, the Registry, the Trust Fund for Victims and the staff of the Court for their tireless service in upholding accountability for the gravest crimes. We reiterate our unwavering support for the ICC's independence and impartiality. The Court is a judicial institution, not a political actor. Attacks on unilateral coercive measures in response to judicial activities are attacks on the collective will of State Parties and on victims' rights to truth, justice, and reparation. Sierra Leone will defend the Rome Statute's principles and the Court's integrity, undeterred by threats against the institution, its officials, or those who cooperate with it. Madam President, we also take this note to thank the Kingdom of the Netherlands for introducing the draft resolution A/80/L/9. And Sierra Leone stands ready to support the draft text and call upon all states to support and vote in favor of the draft text when and if a vote is called upon. Sierra Leone's own journey from conflict to peace, then reconstruction and institution building, confirms that durable peace rests on transitional justice and accountability. Our support for the ICC is our broader commitment to international law and judicial system in which disputes are settled by law and those responsible for the gravest crimes are held to account. In closing, Sierra Leone reaffirms unwavering commitment to the Rome Statute to its universality and of international criminal justice, as well as to the fight against impunity for the gravest crimes. We will remain a steadfast supporter of the Court, the Trust Fund for Victims, and all efforts to strengthen cooperation and complementarity so that the promise of justice becomes a lived reality for victims. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Australia.

Thank you, President. Let me start by thanking President Kaney for your report on the important work of the International Criminal Court over the past year. 27 years ago, in the shadow of the unimaginable atrocities committed in the former Yugoslavia and in Rwanda, Australia joined with 119 other states to establish the first permanent International Criminal Court. Together, we affirmed that the most serious crimes of concern to the international community must not go unpunished. This year, our number has grown again. And we welcome Ukraine as the 125th state party to the Rome Statute. President, I wish to make three key points. First, as a founding member, Australia remains steadfast in our support for the International Criminal Court, and we were pleased to co-sponsor today's resolution. We reaffirm our determination to ensure accountability for crimes that threaten international peace and security. to deliver justice for victims and to end impunity and guard against future atrocities. There is no doubting that the Court has faced significant challenges over the reporting period. Notwithstanding, we consider it is well placed to deliver on its core mandate of holding perpetrators to account for the most serious international crimes. As we continue to navigate new challenges, we welcome ongoing cooperation between the United Nations and the Court. Second, Australia remains committed to upholding and defending the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute, as well as the Court's integrity and independence. We encourage all states and civil society to support the Court in carrying out its important mandate. This is particularly so in the face of attempts to interfere with its operations and staff. Such threats include increasingly blatant cyber attacks, which we unequivocally condemn. Third, we would like to emphasize the importance of the principle of complementarity in guiding the Court's work. The Court is one of last resort, whose work is complementary to our own national efforts. Accountability begins at home. States bear the primary responsibility to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute those responsible for such crimes. As co-focal point on complementarity with Uganda, Australia reiterates that this principle is crucial to the Court's success and it must be respected. President, in closing. We all have a role to play in ensuring the court is given the ongoing support it requires to deliver its enduring mandate. Australia reaffirms our commitment to doing our part. Accountability, justice, and the maintenance of international peace and security are our collective responsibility. Thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Australia. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of New Zealand.

Thank you, President. New Zealand thanks President Akane for the Court's report and welcomes the opportunity to discuss the International Criminal Court's contribution to the international rule of law and its relationship with the United Nations. New Zealand is a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court. The court has, for more than two decades, formed an essential element of international peace and security architecture. We acknowledge the important support UN agencies provide to the court and its activities. Notwithstanding the unprecedented challenges facing the court, New Zealand remains committed to supporting the work of the court and of the Court's personnel as they undertake their roles in accordance with the Rome Statute. Our focus is on ensuring the Court is sufficiently resourced to undertake its activities efficiently, impartially, and securely. We are pleased to see the Court's continued investment in securing its systems from recent cyber attacks. We take this opportunity to emphasize the importance cooperation with the Court by all States Parties and by others who engage with the Court. Cooperation is essential to the Court's operations. While we warmly welcome Ukraine's decision to become a State Party, we also note with concern the announcement by certain other State Parties of their intention to withdraw from the ICC. Together with many colleagues, New Zealand officials worked hard at this year's special session on the crime of aggression to achieve consensus. We were pleased that participants succeeded in identifying a pathway forward. The session demonstrated that the Assembly of States Parties is at its strongest when it works in unison to achieve practical outcomes that can achieve broad support. New Zealand strongly supports the work of the Trust Fund for Victims. For many in situation countries, the Trust Fund is the face and the hands through which individuals see the court and see international justice. We are pleased to see that the Trust Fund concluded some significant work in the Ongwen case, implementing a support and compensation plan for 50,000 victims of grave crimes. As a proud contributor to the Fund, New Zealand encourages others to look at what more they could do in this regard. President, without minimising the challenges facing the Court, we are encouraged by the support already expressed in this debate. New Zealand remains committed to working alongside others to ensure the Court continues to be, and is seen to be, an effective, independent and sustainable international judicial institution. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of New Zealand, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom.

Thank you, Madam President. The United Kingdom thanks President Akani for the court's annual report to the United Nations and congratulates Ukraine on becoming a state party on 1 January this year. That milestone reflects the continued importance of the court and our shared commitment to international criminal justice. The United Kingdom remains firmly committed to the court's mission of ending impunity. We recognise the ICC as a cornerstone of the international criminal justice system. and reaffirm our support for its work in investigating and prosecuting the gravest crimes of international concern. The United Kingdom commends the progress that the ICC has made in delivering its mandate this year, despite the challenges that it and its staff face. The UK remains steadfast in its support for the independence and impartiality of the ICC and does not support sanctions that are imposed in connection with the work of the court. We recognise the significant impact of sanctions, and we welcome continued dialogue with non-State parties to ensure that the court can continue to fully deliver on its mandate of ensuring accountability for the most serious international crimes. The UK also welcomes the court's efforts to strengthen its cyber security and the security of its staff, as well as the swift and co-ordinated response by the court to the cyber attack in June this year. UK was pleased to aid in this response through our contribution to the special fund for security. That fund played a vital role in mitigating the impact of those malicious attacks. The safety and resilience of the court and its personnel are essential to its ability to function effectively, to deliver justice and to protect survivors and witnesses who co-operate with the ICC. We applaud the court's achievements in spite of the many challenges, with notable progress in investigations in different situations. We welcome the conclusion of proceedings with the convictions of Mr. Yekatom and Mr. Nguesso in July for war crimes and crimes against humanity, and we recognise the continued progress against multiple other investigations, including the conviction of Mr. Abdulrahman in October. We also note the pre-trial chamber's decision to issue arrest warrants for Haibatullah Akhunzada and Mr. Abdul Hakim Haqqani. The UK remains committed to achieving justice for victims of the most serious crimes. The court needs the support and co-operation of its states parties to fulfil its mandate. In that context, the United Kingdom regrets the decision of four states to give notification of their intention to withdraw from the Rome statute at a time when international justice needs our shared commitment. Without the support of its states parties, the ICC will not be able to end impunity for the Rome statute's core crimes. For our part, the UK continues to support the court through various forms of practical co-operation, including witness protection, sentence enforcement and continued support for the reform process. We are also keen to ensure that the court has the resources that it needs to operate effectively and independently. The UK remains resolute in its support for the ICC and its mission. The rule of law plays an important role in sustaining peace and security, and the ICC is vital in advancing that goal. We reaffirm our commitment to promoting international law and justice and to supporting the court in its pursuit of accountability for the most serious crimes of international concern.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine.

Thank you. The State of Palestine aligns itself with the statement made by Mexico on behalf of a group of cross-regional states. We welcome the President of the Court to New York, and we reassure you and the leadership of the Court of our support and trust as you guide the Court throughout these challenging times. We reaffirm our unwavering support to the Court its personnel, and those cooperating with it, and respect the independence and impartiality of the Court. Madam President, war criminals should be the ones sanctioned. The prosecutors, the judges, the UN personnel who are holding them accountable should be shielded and protected. War criminals should not be celebrated or welcomed, and victims of atrocity crimes should not be punished for seeking the justice they deserve and expect, and the justice we owe to them. Denying justice to Palestinian victims sends the wrong message at the wrong time. It conveys that Palestinian civilians are less civilians that we are not entitled to protection, that our children are less children, who do not deserve to be saved, only to be killed, maimed, amputated, orphaned, starved, and abused. It conveys a message that justice must be deferred and impunity preserved. But this is not what history taught us. nor what the establishment of the Court promised us. It taught us that our best chance against horrors is for the law to be upheld, for justice to be ensured, regardless of the identity of the victims and the identity of the perpetrators. It taught us that there is no justification whatsoever for war crimes, for crimes against humanity, for genocide and aggression. That no one is beyond moral reproach and accountability, and that everyone deserves a life of dignity and rights, and that accountability and justice are prerequisites for peace, any peace. Madam President, the arrest warrants issued by the court against Israel's prime minister and former minister of defense are the beginning of a path to end Israeli impunity. The court applied the law. It did its part to hold perpetrators of crimes accountable. But they remain at large, bearing the stain of arrest warrants issued in their names. The verdict is not a Palestinian verdict, but a universal one, a legal one. It echoes what we and generations of Palestinians have lived and known. It is etched in our bodies, our ruins, our histories, and our memories. They cannot be absolved of their responsibility for crimes, of designing the worst starvation campaign in modern history, of the destruction of a centuries-old city, of killing and maiming over 200,000 human beings, including 20,000 children, at a rate of one child an hour, an average of 28 children, a classroom, a day, and every day for 730 days. Madam President, Palestinian civil society are the heroes who, at the peril of their life, cooperate with the Court, the witnesses, and the victims, and in the face of great danger, targeted attacks, assassinations, sanctions, and many disappointments, they continue to march on. Al-Haq, Al-Mizan, and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights continue to pursue justice for Palestinian victims despite being sanctioned, including through the recent release of testimonies of Palestinian victims of Israel's systematic rape and sexual torture in Israeli detention centers, testimonies of the most heinous crimes of dark ages committed in modern times. Testimonies added to the long list of other reports, which reveal an organized and systematic practice of sexual torture, including rape, forced stripping, forced filming, sexual assaults using objects and dogs, in addition to deliberate psychological humiliation aimed at crushing human dignity and erasing individual identity entirely. Among these cases, is a 42-year-old Palestinian woman and a mother who was arrested while passing through an Israeli checkpoint in northern Gaza. In her statement, she said, and I quote, "I cannot describe what I felt. I wished for death every moment after they raped me. I was left alone in the same room, hands still cuffed to the bed and without clothes for many hours. I could hear the soldiers outside speaking Hebrew and laughing. Later, I was raped again. That day, I was raped twice, and I was left naked the whole day in the room where I spent three days." An 18-year-old boy testified that he was sexually assaulted when soldiers raped him with a bottle, a practice repeated against him and other Palestinian detainees. He said, They violated our dignity and destroyed our spirits and our hope for life. I had wanted to continue my education. Now I am lost after what happened to me." These testimonies do not reflect isolated incidents, but constitute a systematic Israeli policy of rape and sexual violence and torture that have been documented for years. And the UN Commission of Inquiry concluded that there is no escape from the conclusion that Israel has employed sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinians to terrorize them and perpetuate a system of oppression that undermines the right to self-determination. It comes as no surprise that the biggest scandal in Israel this week is not the systematic rape of Palestinians, but rather the leakage of a footage showing the gang rape of a shackled, defenseless, and frail Palestinian detainee by Israeli soldiers who formed a human barrier around him and gang-raped him. Has any Israeli official condemned the ****** of prisoners or took responsibility? Or has any official been indicted? How did Israeli officials respond? Israel's prime minister called the leakage of the footage, not the crime of ****** but the leakage of the footage, the most severe media failure that the state of Israel has experienced since establishment. Israel's defense minister called the leakage of the footage a blood libel against Israeli military. Israel's minister of justice referred to the work of ****** soldiers as holy work. Israel's Minister of National Security called the rapists "our best heroes." Israel's Minister of Finance said that the rapists deserve respect and must not be treated as criminals. Israeli lawmakers debated whether ****** Palestinian detainees was legitimate, as if there was a right to rape. And Israel's Supreme Court is deciding not on who has the authority to investigate the crime of rape, but on who has the authority to investigate the leakage of a footage showing the crime of rape. They were outraged, not by the gang ****** of a detainee, but by the fact that the footage was leaked. How do we get justice from a system that champions and protects rapists? 77 years, not a single Israeli official was held accountable for their crimes against the Palestinian people. Where do we go if not to the ICC, our last resort? Does anyone with a shred of humanity or morality can say that these crimes do not deserve to be punished? Anyone can justify these crimes. Anyone can tell these women, men, and children wait in Israel's detention centers that they do not have the right to justice like everybody else, and that they only have the right to suffer and die in silence because they have the wrong nationality, the wrong skin color, or the wrong faith. In what world the civil society that is documenting these crimes are sanctioned and the criminals are shielded? There is nothing criminal in documenting these crimes. 77 years of Israeli protracted impunity is sustained by the political, military, and judicial systems, which instruct, commit, and facilitate every crime ever known to humanity and born out of inhumanity against a defenseless people who are denied any path to justice. And Israeli officials have long operated with impunity. They have gotten away with illegal occupation, with annexation, with torture, with settlements, with apartheid, with systematic killing, with mass confinement, with starvation, with murder, with rape. And today, they are betting that they will get away with genocide. But we will not allow it. We call on the Court and its leadership and States Parties to support and protect Palestinian civil society and ensure access of victims to justice. We thank the international community for standing by them and for their continued support to these organizations, and for all the efforts taken to ensure accountability for Israeli crimes, including through the Hague Group. We all need to stand united against threats and sanctions aimed to interfere in the work of the Court. and to uphold its mandate and independence and its promise of never again. The State of Palestine will continue cooperating with the ICC for the sake of all victims and for the sake of international justice. Madam President, when we established the International Criminal Court 50 years late after the horrors of World War II, we never claimed that it was the beginning of an era where crimes will not be committed. But we did seek to end an era where impunity was the norm and where justice was selective, not universal, where only some voices, some histories, and some laws were allowed to matter. But world leaders built a court of universal calling to honor the victims of atrocity crimes, all victims. And for the Palestinian people, for the millions of Palestinian victims, we fought for a court that includes us, and a court that includes everybody else. This is a testament to our unwavering belief in the rule of law and international justice, and a testament to the courage of our victims, who, despite 77 years of continued crimes, still believe in justice, not in vengeance, however distant or deferred. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the State of Palestine, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Belgium.

Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the Kingdom of Belgium, I would like to thank Judge Tomoko Akane for introducing the annual report. For Belgium, the presentation of this report at the General Assembly, which takes place on an annual basis, is of paramount importance. It highlights the fundamental role of the Court as a pillar of the global order and a key actor of the fight against impunity for crimes which shock and affect the entire international community. Belgium reiterates its firm and unswerving commitment to the ICC, as well as our wholehearted commitment to combating impunity, as well as to promoting international criminal law and justice. The ICC is an independent and impartial judicial body. It's a key pillar of the international justice system, which guarantees that those who commit the most serious crimes are brought to justice and that victims are given justice. We are in favor of being to implement its mandate as per the Rome Statute without any external interference. We deplore the introduction of sanctions against the staff and officials of the court as well as all persons who cooperate with the court as it implements its mandate, including civil society representatives. Such measures undermine the international rule of law, compromise ongoing proceedings and compromise the international criminal order. Belgium is committed to working with all States Parties as well as other partners throughout the world so as to support the Court to maintain its independence and to guarantee the integrity of the Rome Statute. Financial, diplomatic and political means are being granted to the Court so that it can effectively and independently do its work. We call on all states to cooperate in full with the court and to actively cooperate with it. This applies to both states parties and partners. This will help us to maintain the court's role in combating impunity, maintaining the rule of law, as well as lasting respect for international laws and international human rights law. We regret to Hungary's withdrawal from the Rome Statute, as well as announcements from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso expecting to do the same. These decisions are a serious setback for international justice and the fight against impunity. Belgium underscores the importance of cooperating with the Court, especially as regards the enforcement of arrest warrants. This obligation must be upheld on a non-discriminatory basis. Last but not least, Belgium will continue Speaking out in favour of strengthening the Rome Statute, we call on States Parties to ratify all of the amendments thereto. The goal being to consolidate universality, consistency and the effectiveness of the Rome Statute. This summer, the States Parties to the ICC met to discuss the harmonization of the ICC's jurisdiction to incorporate the crime of jurisdiction and bringing it into line with the other three main crimes. We thank all of the States Parties who played a constructive role during the June extraordinary session. Despite the lack of consensus on an amendment We did see a strong commitment on the part of a broad majority of states parties coming from all of the world's region. They are in favor of this harmonization. Thus, Belgium remains optimistic. We will continue promoting the broadest possible protection of victims of the crime of aggression throughout the world. At this juncture, No region has been spared from armed conflicts. All too often, these conflicts affect civilian populations, which are held hostage by hostilities. Despite the various challenges, all of these challenges that the ICC is facing, we are impressed by the resilience exhibited by ICC officials and personnel. They are continuing their work despite pressure and at times even sanctions. which affect not just them, the personnel, but also their families. The Court has made significant headway in 2025 across a number of situations. The dogged work and commitment of the ICC to help deliver justice to victims all over the world recall just how important it is for the Court to receive our unswerving support. It's vital for us to pool our forces so that people all over the world remain, continue to trust in justice and in the fact that the perpetrators of the most serious crimes will be held to account for their actions. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Belgium, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Romania.

Madam President, Romania welcomes the International Criminal Court achievements during the last year as presented in the annual report to the General Assembly. The importance and complexity of this unique institution is once more confirmed by the significant workload and by the investigations covering almost all regions of the world, which are very often carried out in challenging circumstances. We also We would also like to congratulate Ukraine on becoming the 125th state party to the Rome Statute. By taking this decision, Ukraine has demonstrated that the force of law must remain the only approach to violations of international law, and especially to the illegal use of force. Promoting the universality of the Rome Statute should remain a long-term goal to be pursued jointly as an expression of our commitment to international law and to peace and security. The report shows how much needed is the unique international institution in a context of flagrant violations of international humanitarian law. It is therefore our duty as international community to reaffirm our support for the ICC to continue fulfilling its mission independently and impartially in order to provide justice for the victims of the most serious crimes. The report also highlights the multiple challenges faced by the Court. We have often emphasized in the past that certain years were particularly challenging for the Court. 2025 is such a difficult year for the Court as it is facing multiple challenges, attacks, and/or pressures. They range from non-cooperation, a notice of withdrawal from the Rome Statute, a divisive special session on the review of the amendment on the crime of aggression, new targeted cyber security attacks, an investigative report into alleged misconduct by the prosecutor, to sanctions targeted against ICC officials, judges and prosecutors. Those external and internal challenges are fully testing its resilience, as well as support of the States Parties to the Rome Statute. These are, however, reasons to strengthen our support and to remain consistent in our endorsement of the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute. We are deeply concerned by the measures that may affect the ICC's independence and impartiality and its capacity to fulfill its mandate. Romania will continue to stand by the Court and defend it from any attempt to delegitimize it and to undermine its work, as well as from any coercive measures and threats against it and its staff. In this respect, we would like to also express our support for the officials working under such difficult circumstances. Beyond external challenges, the ICC is dealing with internal governance issues, such as ensuring workplace standards and strengthening transparency and accountability of its own processes. The court must address any allegations and concerns with transparency and fairness in order to avoid any potential vulnerabilities. The internal standards of integrity and transparency are crucial to external legitimacy. Madam President, the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court represented a groundbreaking achievement for the international community. The work of the ICC is indispensable today in promoting international rule of law and strengthening the system of international justice. Romania will continue to fully support the functioning of a resilient and robust Court. as a cornerstone of international justice to address the gravest and most shocking international crimes and to provide justice to victims. And I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Romania, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel.

Madam President, Israel takes note of the annual report of the International Criminal Court on its activities for 2024 to 2025 submitted to the General Assembly and appreciate the opportunity to present a statement in this regard. Madam President, The State of Israel has always attached great importance to the rule of law and to combating impunity for the most serious crimes of concerns to the international community as a whole. While Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute and has not accepted the court's jurisdiction, owing to concerns raised at the time of the court's establishment, Israel has recognized the important role originally envisioned for the court in advancing these goals. Yet, the rule of law and accountability can only be achieved if founded upon legitimate and well-established legal mandates, internationally accepted legal norms and their faithful application to the facts in accordance with due process, judicial impartiality and independence. The rule of law and accountability will not prevail, particularly when required legal foundation and basic principles are abandoned in favor of bias, prejudice, and politically motivated agendas. The legitimacy of any international judicial body rests not merely on the mobility of its declared aspiration, but on its consistent adherence to the legal boundaries that confer its authority. Madam President, it is with considerable regret that, with regard to the International Criminal Court, the State of Israel has seen repeated attempts to assert jurisdiction where there is none, a distorted application of the law, and grave disregard for fundamental principles of due process and statutory safeguards. The initial concerns regarding politicization and the abuse of the Court's mandate, which Israel and others highlighted at the time of the Court's establishment, have unfortunately been validated. Each infringement by the court of its mandate carefully defined jurisdictional confines and its failure to statify itself for the most elementary limits of its own jurisdiction deepened the controversies that now surrounded it. It should come as no surprise that such failing have left the court mired in dispute and doubt. Madam President, by showing utter indifference to the existence of independent domestic legal institutions of non-state parties, and by failing to give effect to the requirements for ensuring that the Court complements and does not infringe upon national criminal jurisdictions, the Court further erodes confidence in its integrity. This conduct raises serious question about whether the Court remains true to its founding visions and whether it has a viable future. The court's rush to reach predetermined outcomes based on unestablished facts and highly questionable motivations has placed the leaders of a democratic state defending its civilians from horrific terror attacks on the same moral plane as the very terrorists who deliberately target civilians and glorify terror. Such actions consequently invite responsible states to denounce the Court and to question its legitimacy. Indeed, the spectacle of tyrannical dictators and terrorist organizations celebrating the decision of the International Criminal Court raises grave doubts as to whether this institution still serves its intended purposes. Madam President, it has become clear that the International Criminal Court must undergo significant and far-reaching reform. The Court must respect its jurisdictional boundaries, faithfully apply internationally accepted norms, including customary international law, and adhere to basic principles of due process and impartiality. If it does not, the court risks not only irrelevance, but more concerningly, the erosion of the rule of law and the fight against impunity. The State of Israel will continue to support the principles of the rule of law and accountability. It will likewise endure in its demand The international community, together with its institutions, uphold basic notions of justice, equity, and impartiality in their conduct. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Israel, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Georgia.

Madam President, I would like to thank the President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Akande Tomoko, for the report presented under agenda item 74, and commend her for her dedicated work. As one of the founding states, parties of the ICC, Georgia remains resolute in its support for the Court's mandate and independence, recognizing that the fight against impunity is critical for preventing future atrocities. As we reflect on the ICC's work, it is impossible to ignore Russia's unprovoked, unjustified, and premeditated aggression against Ukraine, which has caused tremendous suffering and numerous violations of international law. This ongoing aggression once again proves the urgent need of accountability for the violations of international law. With this in mind, let me recall that Georgia was among the states who referred the situation in Ukraine to the ICC's prosecutor. We look forward to the forthcoming progress in this regard. Madam President, the ICC is facing unprecedented challenges in today's world. The recent threats to the security of the Court and the sanctioning of the ICC judges undermine the Court's authority and independence. These actions are a direct assault on the rule of law and the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute. We commend the efforts of the ICC in overcoming the many obstacles it faces, including external pressures and threats to its independence. However, the Court cannot function in isolation. It is incumbent upon us, as States Parties, to provide unwavering support, not only in rhetoric, but also in action. We welcome the continued strengthening of the Rome Statute system. Over the reporting period, A new State joined the Rome Statute, and further States finalized their acceptance or ratification of several amendments, including those relating to the crime of aggression. This positive momentum contributes to the universalization of the Rome Statute. Madam President, let me recall that in 2016, the ICC opened its first ever investigation in the Europe's legal geography concerning international crimes committed during Russia's full-scale military aggression against Georgia in 2008. Georgia has consistently supported the ICC's investigation, fully cooperating with the Office of the Prosecutor and providing the necessary assistance to ensure that justice is pursued transparently and fairly. Georgia's cooperation with the ICC has yielded concrete and tangible results. The Court issued arrest warrants for three individuals for the war crimes allegedly committed against ethnic Georgian civilians, while also uncovering the role of Russian Major General Yacveslav Borisov, who has since passed away. With these developments in consideration, we take note of report that in situation of Georgia, the ICC Prosecutor's Office has focused its efforts on ensuring trial readiness in relation to the existing warrants of arrest. We welcome the fact that, according to the report, since 2023, nearly 4,000 individuals have benefited directly or indirectly from medical and psychological counseling, income-generating activities, and small grants to address harm resulting from crimes. In the context of Georgia's continuing engagement with the ICC, the Deputy Prosecutor Najat Shamim Khan carried out an official visit to Georgia from 20 to 22 October 2025. The visit aimed to further strengthen engagement with national authorities, civil society, and affected communities and victims, as well as to raise public awareness regarding the three outstanding arrest warrants in the situation in Georgia. Madam President, Along with the ICC's arrest warrants, let me recall that this year, on October 14, Georgia achieved another significant success in the case of Georgia versus Russia, commonly known as the continuous occupation case. The ACHR unanimously ruled that Russia must pay Georgia over 253 million euros for breaches of human rights suffered by more than 29,000 victims. These violations stem from Russia's unlawful so-called borderization policy involving harassment, arbitrary detention, assaults, and killings of Georgian civilians, for which the Court had held Russia responsible in 2024. These findings continue the legacy of the Strasbourg Court's 2021 historic judgment in the interstate case, Georgia v. Russia. The Court unequivocally confirmed Russia's occupation and effective control over Abkhazia and the regions of Georgia, and its responsibility for heinous human rights violations against civilians and military personnel committed during and after August 2008. Madam President, in conclusion, Georgia remains fully committed to the ICC as a central pillar in the international fight against impunity. We urge all States to strengthen their adherence to the Rome Statute, to provide full cooperation with the Court, and to safeguard its independence and credibility. Collective action is essential to ensure that the principles of justice and accountability upheld by the ICC are effectively realized worldwide. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Georgia. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Poland.

Madam President, Poland strongly supports the Office of the Prosecutor in its investigations of multiple situations, including in the state of... Sorry, madam. Let me begin. We align ourselves with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union. We would also like to present following comments in our national capacity. We thank President Tomoko Akane for presenting the annual report and thank her and all the judges, prosecutors and staff for their continued dedication to advancing international justice under increasingly complex global circumstances. Poland's commitment to the International Criminal Court is rooted in our own history and experience. As a nation that has endured war, occupation, and grave disregard for human dignity, we understand the value of justice, accountability, and the rule of law. There can be no sustainable peace without justice, no reconciliation without recognition of truth, and no deterrence without accountability for the gravest crimes. The ICC remains the central institution in the fight against impunity for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. The judicial and prosecutorial activity of the ICC during the reporting period is a clear testimony to that. During the same period, however, the Court faced several serious challenges, such as cyberattacks and sanctions against its elected officials. Poland opposes any attempts to undermine the Court's independence and ability to exercise its mandate. we declare our willingness to support and defend the Court against any attacks and their consequences. We strongly support the Office of the Prosecutor in its investigations of multiple situations, including in the State of Palestine, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sudan, and others referenced in the report. The number of active investigations demonstrates both the ICC's continued relevance and the scale of challenges it faces. We especially note ongoing efforts to address crimes committed in the territory of Ukraine, a country bordering Poland. The suffering of Ukrainian civilians subjected to unlawful deportations, targeting of civilian infrastructure, and other potential war crimes require a firm and principled international response, and the ICC's actions in this regard are indispensable. We also recognize the Court's efforts to improve its working methods, increase efficiency, strengthen outreach to affected communities, and provide support through the Trust Fund for Victims. It is the victims who must be at the heart of our discussions. Their voices, needs, and rights to justice must guide our work. For the Court to fulfill its mandate effectively, It requires the full cooperation of State Parties and, indeed, of the broader international community. Poland calls upon all States to respect their obligations under the Rome Statute. We are also mindful of the challenges the Court faces in securing sufficient and sustainable resources. We urge all State Parties to ensure that the ICC is adequately funded, while also supporting continued reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of resources. Judicial independence must remain sacrosanct, shielded from political interference or intimidation. Madam President, Poland remains committed to strengthening the Rome Statute. We welcome the results of the special session held in New York in July of this year to review the Kampala amendments on the crime of aggression. Although the session did not produce a breakthrough, it did demonstrate the unity of States Parties and gives us hope that the issue of harmonizing jurisdiction over the crime of aggression will be taken up again and that the goal of harmonization will then be achieved. Strengthening of the Rome Statute system also means continuing work towards further universalization. We encourage States that have not yet done so to join the Rome Statute. And in this context, we note with approval Ukraine's accession as a State Party on January 1, 2025. a sign of our region's growing engagement with the Court and the rule of law. At the same time, we regret all the decisions of states to withdraw from the Statute. These decisions will no doubt pose a challenge to international efforts to combat impunity for international crimes. Madam President, in conclusion, Poland believes that the International Criminal Court embodies a collective promise that the most serious crimes concern us all. that the powerful are not above the law, and that the victims are not forgotten. At a time when the international legal order is being tested, the ICC represents a vital pillar of global stability and justice. Poland stands firmly with the Court, with its officials and staff, and most importantly, with all those who look to international law for protection and hope. We pledge our continued support to ensure that justice prevails, and that future generations live in a world where accountability is the norm, not the exception. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Poland, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.

Madam President, the State of Kuwait would like to extend its gratitude to the President of the ICC and to thank her for the briefing on the annual report of the ICC A/80/342. The State of Kuwait would like to confirm its unwavering support to the ICC's efforts to, with an aim of reinforcing justice and ensuring the perpetrators of the most serious crimes in the international arena are held to account. The agreement bringing together bringing together the ICC and the UN. We would like to express our support for resolution 79/6. The ICC is the most important judicial body as we seek to promote contemporary international justice. It helps to combat impunity and ensure accountability for perpetrators of the gravest international crimes. Rooted in its mandate, that is the Rome Statute It has made the rule of law a key pillar of lasting peace. Madam President, at the national level, this year saw a number of laws adopted attesting to Kuwait's commitment and strengthening its commitment to international law, including the law aimed at combating international crimes. which is viewed as a positive step which strengthens Kuwait's commitment to the principles and purposes of international humanitarian law. The objective of this law is to guarantee the harmonization of national legislation with international instruments, ensuring there is prosecution for crimes of war, crimes against humanity, the crime of genocide, and the crime of aggression, so as to allow national authorities to prosecute the perpetrators on the basis of international legislation, as well as to promote judicial cooperation mechanisms. We stand convinced that international cooperation is an absolute must if we are to allow the Court to deliver on its mandate as best possible, to exchange information, to engage in cooperation and logistical and technical cooperation with a view to strengthening the international criminal justice system. Madam President, Kuwait would like to underscore how important it is for the ICC to continue its work independently, with full respect for the standards of transparency, good judicial governance, inter alia, and to uphold the sovereignty of states, which is one of the main pillars of the international judicial system. Thus, we'd like to pay tribute to the work done by the Special Trust Fund for Victims. which embodies the very concept of reparative justice. It places victims at the cutting edge of the march for justice. This fund has helped to promote sustainable development and the SDGs, empowering affected communities and strengthening social peace. The State of Kuwait encourages the ICC to strengthen multilingualism. expanding the number of active official languages to incorporate all of the United Nations official languages, with a view to highlighting the international character of the Court. Procedural justice. The Court does face challenges. We encourage all States to reiterate their collective commitment to international justice. so as to address legitimate concerns through constructive dialogue in international fora with the view to upholding the statute of the court as one of the greatest achievements of the contemporary legal system. Speaking before the international community today, a joint vision of international justice on the one hand, which means that the rule of law will prevail and human dignity will be upheld as will be the principles of equity and humanity. With this in mind, Kuwait hopes for a future where peace, security and sustainable development will prevail, a world that is fairer and more equitable. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Kuwait. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ukraine.

President, delegation of Ukraine welcomes President of the International Criminal Court to this Assembly and her comprehensive and thoughtful presentation of the report. The International Criminal Court stands as a cornerstone of our shared commitment to justice. It gives hope to victims and survivors, brings accountability to perpetrators, and reminds the world that the rule of law must prevail. Ukraine deeply values the ICC's vital role in addressing the crimes committed during the Russians' ongoing war of aggression. Today, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed on Ukrainian territory are being investigated by Ukraine, number of member states, partners, and by the ICC itself. We continue to work closely and effectively with the court to ensure full accountability for all Russian atrocities. We particularly welcome the active work of the Court on investigation of situation in Ukraine and six arrest warrants for Russian nationals already issued and look forward to seeing more arrest warrants for Russian nationals for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. For almost four years, Ukraine has faced the full spectrum of Russian brutality. One of the most horrific atrocities is the systematic torture and execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians. Ukrainian soldiers are being executed after their capture, and the number of these crimes continues to grow. These are not isolated acts of violence. They are part of a deliberate and coordinated policy, and impunity for such crimes cannot and must not be tolerated under the Rome Statute. We trust the ICC will act with the determination to ensure justice. At the beginning of this year, Ukraine officially became 125th state party to the International Criminal Court. Ratifying the Rome Statute is a powerful declaration of principle. Ukraine stands firmly for a world governed by law, not by force. All states parties to the Rome Statute and those recognizing the court's jurisdiction are duty-bound to comply, to arrest and surrender those subject to ICC warrants, without exception and without delay. Together with all States Parties and with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, we must do everything possible to defend international law and to prevent dangerous precedents that would weaken it. The ratification of the Rome Statute by Ukraine is a part of our actions to promote international law and a part of the state policy of ensuring accountability for core international crimes. The harmonization of the jurisdictional regime for all four core crimes is a logical continuation of the mentioned state policy of Ukraine. Earlier this year, during the Assembly of State Parties special session, we supported the idea of the harmonization of the jurisdictional regime for all four core crimes, as we believe that they can strengthen the legal system for future cases of aggression to better uphold the commitment to impartial justice and international law. The same reason brought us to the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. The Special Tribunal is there to complement the current competence of the ICC, not to interfere with it. And we call upon all member states which support the idea of the harmonization of the jurisdictional regime for all four core crimes to join the Special Tribunal as a step towards universalization of international criminal law. On our part, Ukraine continues to provide the OTP-ICC with all necessary support to carry out a full, impartial and comprehensive investigation, in line with the principle of the complementarity. In this turbulent time, it is crucial for Ukraine, for the integrity of international justice, to preserve the capacity of the ICC Field Office in Kyiv. We therefore call on all State Parties to continue their strong and practical support of the Court's work in Ukraine, ensuring that justice remains within reach for every victim of aggression. Russia's full-scale invasion continues to challenge not only our survival, but also the very foundations of the international order. Justice must not lag behind aggression. We trust that the ICC will continue its vital work to expose the crimes of the Russian regime and to hold those responsible to account. Ukraine calls on all nations to support the court in its mission and to ensure justice, to uphold the rule of law, and to reaffirm that even in war, humanity must not be lost. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Ukraine. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica.

Madam Vice President, Costa Rica welcomes the presentation of the report of the International Criminal Court and recognizes the extraordinary work of the Court in a context of increasing political, legal, and operational complexity. As a state party to the Rome Statute since its adoption, Costa Rica reaffirms its full confidence in the independence, objectivity and professionalism of the Court, as well as its conviction that international criminal justice is an indispensable pillar of human peace and dignity. In this regard, allow me to highlight three key observations. First, the report demonstrates substantive progress in the fight against impunity. The issuance of new arrest warrants, the decisions of the Trial and Appeals Chambers, the progress made on reparations, and the efforts of the Office of the Prosecutor in multiple situations send a strong message: the most serious crimes will not go unanswered. Accountability is an essential component of the rules-based international order. and Costa Rica recognizes the real impact that the Court's decisions have on victims and on the prevention of new atrocities. The fact that thousands of victims have been able to participate in proceedings, receive reparations, or benefit from trust fund programs is concrete testimony to the value of the Court for communities around the world. Second, Every international institution must fulfill its mandate by exercising its judicial function independently. The integrity of the Court is a legal asset of the entire international community. We must preserve the spirit of the Rome Statute and the promise of justice for victims. We call on all States to unequivocally defend judicial independence and guarantee the security of the Court and its officials. Any action that seeks to undermine the fulfilment of its mandate through attacks, threats or sanctions against judges, prosecutors, officials, and the countries, individuals and entities that cooperate with it, must be met with our unequivocal rejection. This also implies the need for continued integrity and honesty in the actions of all court officials. Third, the report highlights the importance of international cooperation. The Court is entirely dependent on the commitment of States. Therefore, Costa Rica urges all States Parties to comply with their obligations to arrest and surrender suspects as well as to provide the necessary judicial assistance for the conduct of investigations and trials. Madam Vice-President, Costa Rica firmly believes that there can be no lasting peace without justice. In a historic moment marked by armed conflicts, violations of international humanitarian law and attacks against civilians, the International Criminal Court continues to demonstrate its importance as a guarantee that the law limits power and that victims have a voice and a right to reparation. Costa Rica will continue to support the universalisation of the Rome Statute the strengthening of the Trust Fund for Victims, judicial cooperation, and all efforts aimed at consolidating the international criminal justice system. The international community created the Court because it understood that the most heinous crimes cannot go unpunished. Today, Costa Rica reaffirms with conviction and without reservation its full support for the work of the International Criminal Court. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Costa Rica, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Chile.

Madam President, Chile would like to express its thanks for the full report presented by the President of the International Criminal Court, Ms. Tamoko Akane. We note with appreciation the activities carried out by its various bodies, including its judicial proceedings and investigations, as well as the work of the Registry. Madam President, At the outset, my delegation wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the Rome Statute and the mission of the International Criminal Court, which is a fundamental pillar of the international criminal justice system. At the same time, we call on all States to step up their efforts to support the Court's work, which is essential in fighting impunity and protecting human rights, ensuring that the most serious crimes of concern to the international community do not go unpunished. In a global context where there are challenges and threats that seek to undermine both the officials and the operations of the Court, active and sustained support from States Parties is needed. I particularly like to highlight that the Court has withstood sanctions and faced large-scale cyber attacks, maintaining its operational capacity and progressing in the cases under its consideration. We herald its institutional strength and the efforts of the registrar in ensuring its continued operation despite difficulties. This commendable work bears out the robustness of the international legal order institutional resilience and the professionalism of those who make international justice possible. Nonetheless, such achievements are closely linked to the support provided by States Parties, both pursuant to their obligations under the Rome Statute and through various international political fora. We reiterate our call to the international community not to tolerate any threat, sanction or attack against the Court as it carries out its work. In this spirit, Chile will continue to work actively in multilateral fora and in coordination with States Parties to strengthen cooperation mechanisms and to promote an increasingly robust and constructive relationship with this fundamental institution. Madam President, a demonstration of this commitment was the official visit to Chile by the first Vice-President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Rosario Salvatore Aytala, and of the Registrar, Mr. Osvaldo Zavala Gider. During their visit, meetings were held with senior state authorities, reaffirming Chile's commitment to the independent and impartial mandate of the Court, as well as its belief in the need to continue strengthening the international criminal justice system in the face of current challenges. For Chile, this was a valuable opportunity to renew its support for the Court's work and to forge closer and more effective cooperation. Madam President, this visit was a milestone reflecting Chile's commitment and leadership in strengthening international criminal justice. At the same time, it allows me to highlight the progress made in the reporting period in the various situations under the Court's jurisdiction. In terms of the situation in Afghanistan, we highlight the significant investigations carried out in 2024. These served as a basis for the issuance of new arrest warrants. Within the framework of our feminist foreign policy, we especially value the inclusion of gender experts in the Office of the Prosecutor's investigative team. This ensures an intersectional approach to the analysis of alleged crimes, particularly in light of the concerning deterioration of women's rights in that context. In addition, Chile welcomes the progress made and the issuance of new arrest warrants in the situation in Ukraine, together with sustained collaboration with all involved actors, including civil society, States and international and regional organizations. In the same vein, we stress the judgment issued in the situation in Darfur. This was the first referred by the United Nations Security Council and, at the same time, the first court's first conviction for gender-based persecution. Madam President, Chile would also like to acknowledge the commendable work of the Trust Fund for Victims. as it carries out its mandate to raise awareness of victims' difficult circumstances, mobilize resources, and implement support programs, ensuring efficient and transparent management of available funds. We welcome the fact that in 2024, the Fund provided reparations to approximately 3,800 individual victims, representing around 66% of those recognized by the Court. Collective service-based reparations benefited more than 70,000 people across the various ongoing situations. We also highlight Chile's new voluntary contribution for 2025. This is for the victims of sexual crimes, particularly women, girls and boys. We thank all countries that have supported the Trust Fund, and we call on others to strengthen it so that it can continue to fulfill its mandate. Madam President, to conclude, I would like to highlight the proposed strategic plans of the Court for the period 2026 to 2029. which will guide its work through 10 general objectives. We particularly value the fact that for the first time, a single integrated plan has been developed in line with the principle of a unified court, as well as the inclusion of an explicit link between strategic planning and budgetary decisions reflected in the proposed budget for 2026. Chile is pleased that these innovations reflect ideas promoted by our delegation in the arrangements on governance and budget oversight, reaffirming that international criminal justice requires coordination, transparency, and accountability. We trust that through renewed and coordinated commitment, the international community will continue strengthening international criminal justice as an essential instrument for peace, human dignity, and respect for international law. Thank you very much, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Chile, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Madam President, first, I'd like to express our gratitude to President Akane for her report on the activities of 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 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-state 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 the Assembly of States Parties held a special session on crime of aggression in July this year. We welcome that the intensive discussions held in the session yielded the resolution which reflected the shared will of the State Parties and was adopted by consensus. Japan remains committed to continuing discussions to review the Rome Statute. In this regard, it must be emphasized the discussion 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 International Law Commission on matters of the interest to each respective institution. Japan expects these institutions to positively contribute to fostering long-term development of the ICC. Finally, Japan emphasizes the independence and the 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 cooperation to enable the Court to fulfill its essential role. I thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Japan, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba.

Madam President, the delegation of Cuba reiterates its commitment to combating impunity for the crimes affecting the international community. We believe that today it is more necessary than ever to have a judicial independent judicial institution imparting Justice nonetheless on the basis of article 13b and article 16 of the Rome statute the reality is that this institution is far from being independent bearing in mind the enormous powers that the aforementioned articles grant to the Security Council in relation to the work of the International Criminal Court. This scenario reflects the progressive worsening of the essence of the jurisdiction of this institution, violating the principle of the independence of judicial bodies and transparency and impartiality in the administration of justice. The prerogative of the Security Council to refer situations to the Court confirms a negative trend towards a selective policy towards developing countries in the name of an alleged fight against impunity. We reiterate our position in favour of the establishment of a criminal jurisdiction, international criminal jurisdiction that is impartial, non-selective, and effective, just and complementary to national justice systems, one that is truly independent and thus exempt from subordination from political interests that might divert its essential work. Madam President, the International Criminal Court cannot overlook or disregard international treaties and the principles of international law. The Court must respect the principle of law that relates to the consent of the state to be bound by a treaty, which is reiterated in Article 11 of Section 2 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties of 23 May 1969. Once again, Cuba expresses its serious concern at the precedent created by the Court's decisions to launch judicial proceedings against nationals from states that are not parties to the Rome Statute, that have not even accepted its jurisdiction in line with Article 12 of that same Statute. Madam President, the International Criminal Court must provide notification of its activities to this General Assembly, this on the basis of the provisions of the relations agreement. Cuba stands ready to continue to participate in negotiation processes related to the International Criminal Court, particularly the draft resolution on the report of the International Criminal Court. which is adopted every year by the General Assembly and which should reflect the positions both of States parties and of States non-parties to the Court. To conclude, we reaffirm our willingness to combat impunity and our commitment to international criminal justice, as well as our accordance to the principles of impartiality, justice, and independence, as well as respect for international law. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

President, China thanks ICC President Agina for her presentation to GA plenary on the work of the court. China takes note of the court's efforts in collaboration with countries and international organizations concerned to advance investigations, trials, and victim reparations, and to improve its working mechanisms. Today's world is fraught with change and upheaval, where conflicts persist and spill over borders. The international community is closely watching how the Court performs its duties in accordance with the law and handles relevant cases impartially. It is China's consistent position that the Court should act strictly as mandated by the Rome Statute and in accordance with the principles of complementarity and international cooperation. The Court should comprehensively and in good faith interpret and apply the Rome Statute and the general international law, avoid politicization and double standards, and refrain from arbitrarily exerting or exercising jurisdiction over nationals of non-state parties. The Court, in the course of its investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial work, should stay independent, objective, impartial. uphold judicial fairness, maintain peace and stability, and play a constructive role in properly handling and resolving relevant issues. July last, the States Parties to the Rome Statute held a special session on the amendments to the Statute on the crime of aggression. We note that a clear divergence of opinion remains on whether the Court should expand its jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. China wishes to reiterate this matter has implications for international peace and security. The UN Charter invests the Security Council with an exclusive power to determine acts of aggression. Amendments to the provisions on the crime of aggression by the ASP to the Rome Statute, as well as the court's exercise of jurisdiction over such crime must not impinge on the responsibilities and the powers of the Security Council and should fully respect the sovereignty and jurisdiction of non-state parties. We note also that in the report to the GA, the Court makes references to unilateral sanctions imposed by a certain country on the Court's judges and prosecutors. Some countries place their own will and domestic law above international law, cherry-picking international rules and arbitrarily impose unilateral sanctions that violate international law. This seriously undermines the rule of law at the international and has met with consistent opposition and rejection from China. We will always support the international community in combating, punishing most serious international crimes in accordance with law. China looks forward to the court staying objective, impartial, contributing to greater fairness, justice, peace, and security, and thereby

earning the trust and support of the international community.

And thank you, President.

I thank the distinguished representative of China, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Greece.

President, Greece would like to thank the President of the Court, Judge Tomoko Akane, for the presentation of the annual report of the International Criminal Court. The Court underwent within the current reporting period a heavy workload spanning among the 16 situations referred to it, each of which contains a number of cases involving judicial proceedings, investigations, and programs for the benefit of victims. We note among the cases reported in the current period, the Yekatom and Gaisona case. Regarding the challenges that this case presented, Suffices to state that during the trial, 19,000 items of evidence were submitted to the Court, with a total of 1,965 victims participating in the proceedings. The indicted persons were convicted for several war crimes and crimes against humanity. Greece equally wishes to underscore A recent landmark development in the jurisprudence of the Court, in the Al-Ahmad case, the inducted person was found guilty by Trial Chamber I of the ICC for 27 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Darfur of Sudan in 2003 and 2004. This is the first conviction following the referral to the Court of the situation in Darfur by the Security Council, a testament of the value and importance of the role of the Council in this regard. We also underscore the ongoing implementation through the Trust Fund for Victims of collective reparations benefiting thousands of individuals in reparations awards in the Ongwen, al-Mahdi, and Lubanga cases. We equally highlight the following figures in the report regarding the reparations to victims. The awarded reparations range from $1 million to $52.4 million, in a scale of victimization ranging from 297 victims to 49,772 victims per case. In light of the above, we wish to stress the central role of the Court and its achievements in the fight against impunity at the international level. Its heavy workload confirms the need for accountability around the world, as well as its significant contribution thereto. However, Greece notes with concern the increasing number of threats, incidents, and actions of intimidation and pressure to the Court, its officials, or partners. The Court should be left to fulfill its mandate independently and impartially. We affirm, therefore, our steadfast and unwavering support for the Court as an independent and impartial judicial institution, and reiterate the commitment to uphold and defend the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute, safeguarding its integrity against any threats and actions aimed at the Court, its officials, or its partners. Such actions are undermining the efforts to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes, to promote the rule of law and foster lasting respect for international law, including human rights. Greece also takes this opportunity to note with appreciation the crucial and multifaceted cooperation extended to the Court by the United Nations and their invaluable support of the work of the Court in the situation countries. We also welcome the continued engagement between the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. In concluding, we wish to underscore that there are regions of the world which remain outside of the jurisdictional reach of the court, and many victims of the most serious international crimes are still denied of their rights to justice and accountability. Greece, together with its European Union partners, is committed to promote the universal character of the court. In this respect, we call upon all States which have not yet ratified the Rome Statute to consider adhering to it. Equally, we call on all States parties to the Rome Statute to respect their obligations to cooperate with the Court, and on all States to extend their cooperation to the Court, thus contributing to the fight against impunity for the gravest international crimes. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Greece, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Madam President, the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great importance to fighting impunity and effective persecution of criminals. through appropriate frameworks and follows developments and trends in the work of the International Criminal Court. Madam President, the ICC has been entrusted with the critical responsibility of ensuring that perpetrators of the most egregious crimes under international law do not operate with impunity. The objective sought in conferring such a mandate upon the Court emanates from the very idea that certain serious crimes considered as delicta iuris gentium deeply shock the conscience of humanity and thus require arrangements that, while being complementary to national jurisdiction, provide a framework to effectively prosecute such crimes. This important responsibility instills strong expectation in the international community as a whole that the Court should reject politicization, double standards, and selectivity, and that the court, acting in accordance with international law, in particular the fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter, should bring criminals to justice. The situation in Palestine is dire due to the persistent, brutal attacks of the Israeli regime, encompassing a broad range of serious crimes. The Israeli regime widespread and systematic attacks have killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, including women and children, inflicted gross bodily harm to more than 100,000 people, leaving many in critical health conditions and disabled for a lifetime. The said regime continues to inflict severe conditions of life upon Palestinians, while also forcibly displacing millions. It deliberately conducts attacks against the United Nations humanitarian centers, places of worship, hospitals, and other medical centers, and imposes starvation against Palestinians as a method of warfare. In addition, the actus reus and mens rea of the Israeli regime criminals in committing genocide are manifest. While the effective persecution of all their crimes, including crimes against humanity and war crimes, remain essential, it would be a remiss and to the detriment of justice if the genocidal acts of these criminals are not properly investigated, prosecuted, and adjudicated at the international level. This is essential to guarantee lasting respect for and the enforcement of international justice. We should bear in mind that claims of few on the importance of ending impunity and bringing perpetrators of international crimes to justice, while their officials are actively aiding and abetting the Israeli regime in the perpetration of egregious crimes against Palestinian people, or otherwise acquiesce to such crimes, is a clear, deplorable instance of lack of good faith and genuine commitment, which is the reason why international criminal law is being undermined now more than before. Madam President, this year the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute convened a special meeting to address differing views on how best to counter aggression. The gravity of aggression is known to all, for it undermines the United Nations Charter and seriously threatens rule of law at the international level. The Declaration on Principles of International Law Concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation Among States is explicit in stating that "A war of aggression constitutes a crime against peace." A statement that points to the customary nature of prohibition of aggression under international law. Aggression subdues whatever the Charter of the United Nations aspires for saving succeeding generations from the scourges of war. aggression engenders what humankind despise and what rule of law sought to avert, that is, sorrow and chaos. The brutality of the Israeli regime and its supporter and the exponential rise in their joint commission of aggression in the Western Asia region evinces once again that double standards and selectivity in the face of blatant aggression generates even more aggression. And if not actively countered by the international community, would be normalized. This is the crux of the matter in countering aggression that must be duly considered. Madam President, on a general note, I would like to recall that on 13 June 2025, the Israeli regime initiated an unprovoked and premeditated aggression against my country, while deliberately attacking civilian-populated areas in multiple large cities of Iran. where millions of people reside, killing more than a thousand of people, including women and children, leaving many injured. In the course of its blatant aggression, the Israeli regime also conducted numerous terrorist attacks against civilians, including Iranian scientists and university professors, in some cases killing members of an entire family. The regime also committed repeated acts of aggression in full complicity with the United States by targeting the Iranian IAEA-safeguarded peaceful nuclear facilities, while targeting civilian properties and infrastructure such as hospitals, including a children's hospital, medical centers, Iranian Life broadcast TV, humanitarian relief operations, and a prison. These heinous crimes demonstrate that the regime knows no limits of legal or even moral character. while revealing more than ever the perils posed by the Israeli regime to the peace and security in the region and beyond. It is incumbent upon the international community to stop the regime from committing heinous attacks in the region. Inaction against such gross violations could be tantamount to complicity in the same. Madam President, We understand that the Court is increasingly faced with an escalating threat environment. Additional threats, including unilateral coercive measures and cyber attacks, are relevant to the investigation of the Court in relation to the catastrophic situation inflicted upon the Palestinian people. In this context, we reiterate that the independence and impartiality of the Court, its judges and staff, and the exercise of their functions free from undue influence or external threats are essential for the sound administration of justice and cultivating confidence and trust in the institution. It is also vital that the court ensure its consistency with international law, in particular with respect to the right to self-determination of Palestinian people. In conclusion, As to the draft resolution that is to be considered under the present agenda item, we would like to reiterate the position of my delegation expressed in the 79th session of the General Assembly under the same agenda item. And we would like to highlight the need to ensure the conformity of such resolutions with international law. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Portugal.

Madam President, Portugal aligns itself with a statement delivered by Mexico on behalf of a group of states and the statement that will be delivered by Denmark on behalf of the European Union and its member states. We would now like to further highlight some aspects in our national capacity. Madam President, Portugal would like to thank President Tomoko Akane for presenting the annual report on the activities of the International Criminal Court, covering the period from 1 August 2024 to 31 July 2025. We recognize all the efforts of the officials and the staff of the Court and their dedication to fulfill the mandate of the Court, despite the progressively changing environment in which it operates. Madam President, as it is clear from this report, the Court continues, as it has since its establishment, to carry out its mandate all over the world by proprio motu, or through referrals by states or by the Security Council, with determination and impartiality, based on international law, the principle of complementarity, and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Furthermore, it shows that by countering impunity, the ICC has a deterrent effect at domestic, regional, and international levels, and has become a fundamental tool both to the prevention of further perpetrations of serious crimes and to peace processes, while also ensuring victims' protection and participation, as well as their right to reparation and to truth. The report also confirms the resilience of the ICC as a strong international judicial entity in fighting against impunity. Its role in contributing to a lasting, sustainable peace must be preserved. Our collective resolve is crucial to protect not only the Court, but also the values and principles it represents. And let us be clear. Peace without justice is a false peace. As the former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon recalled at the Kampala Conference, that would be just a truce at gunpoint, without dignity, justice, or hope for a better future. Madam President, humanity has witnessed too much large-scale violence, suffering, and destruction. Since long ago, the world has been saying, "Never again," voicing for lasting peace and justice. Removing the causes of violence, fighting impunity, and reaffirming core values and principles that underpin the idea of human dignity are crucial to our common future. Much is being done. And there is no doubt that the court has and will have, jointly with the United Nations and all states, a core role in the mission of striving to reach these goals and contribute to bringing to justice the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole, with no political objective or agenda other than to deliver justice for victims. Therefore, Portugal reaffirms its continued and unwavering support for the independence, impartiality and integrity of the ICC and stands firmly behind the Court. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Portugal. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Senegal.

Thank you very much, Madam President. The delegation of Senegal aligns itself with the statements delivered by Sierra Leone and Mexico, respectively, on behalf of the African States Parties to the Rome Statute and a group of States Parties. And we'd like to add the following in our national capacity. My delegation would like to warmly congratulate Ms. Tamoko Akan for her leadership at the head of the International Criminal Court and for the very detailed information filled report. We reiterate our full support as she carries out her mandate. Senegal welcomes the resolute work of the Court, the OPT and the Registry, and of everyone who, with discipline and dedication, works tirelessly to combat impunity for the most serious crimes, thus contributing to ensuring crucial accountability and maintaining international peace and security. Further, Senegal welcomes the constant improvement, both in terms of institutions and at the judicial level, of the cooperation between the International Criminal Court and the United Nations. This is particularly pointed to in the reports A/83/43 and A/83/44 on the application of Article 3 of the agreement governing relations between the UN and the International Criminal Court. We are in favour of strengthening cooperation between the Court and the UN Security Council. We therefore invite the Council to more frequently harness its power to refer situations in so as to prevent and punish crimes falling under the Court's jurisdiction. Madam President, the Court's report, contained in document A83/42, is a powerful illustration of the crucial role of this institution in the universal fight against impunity and ensuring respect for the rule of law at the international level. We note with satisfaction the 382 written decisions rendered in the reporting period, bearing out the rigour and quality of proceedings that guarantee dignified justice, meeting the of victims and in line with the highest standards of the Court. Further, my country remains convinced that the Court's strength lies both in the quality of and the constant nature of the cooperation which links Member States to international and regional organizations as well as civil society. In a global context marked by increasing complexity in terms of conflicts and grave violations of international law, and international humanitarian law and human rights law, this cooperation is more necessary than ever. In this regard, the Court's report rightly pointed to the progress made in terms of mutual legal assistance, sharing of information and capacity building. This progress speaks to the importance of ensuring dialogue between the Court and States parties to guarantee more effective justice that is better anchored in national realities. In the same vein, Senegal calls on States members to join the The Hague Convention on International Cooperation and Investigation and Prosecutions for the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. My delegation also underscores the central nature of the complementarity principle, which relies on heightened support for national courts so that they can fully exercise their jurisdiction in investigations and prosecutions of the most serious crimes. In this context, it's essential that we encourage a spirit of dynamic, transparent cooperation, particularly within the Assembly of States Parties. In the same vein, my delegation is convinced that the collective mobilization of UN member states around the universal goals enshrined by the court would contribute to ensuring resilience and long lasting work for the court, this as we seek to universalize the Rome Statute. Madam President, Attention to victims must continue to play a central role in the Court's activities. Indeed, the right of victims to effective justice, to recognition and to restoration of their dignity are imperatives. The participation of more than 18,000 victims in Court proceedings over the reporting period, that is more than 2,000 more than during the previous period, also speaks to the efforts made in this area. My delegation would like to underscore the crucial role played by the Victims Trust Fund, and we support the efforts to strengthen its capacity to provide support and relief to thousands of victims in line with its mandate. My delegation also welcomes the work of the Registry to ensure close dialogue between victims, communities, and to collect the necessary information to implement reparations despite the degraded situation on the ground. Madam President, in light of all of the aforementioned, Senegal reaffirms its unwavering support to the Court and reiterates its commitment to uphold the principles and values in the Rome Statute. Once again, we condemn, roundly condemn, the pressure, intimidation measures and attacks against the Court, its officials, its personnel and those cooperating with it. Senegal notes and deplores the sanctions against Interalia, several judges, the prosecutors, as well as two deputy prosecutors, including one of Senegalese nationality. The delegation of Senegal invites American authorities to lift these sanctions. They represent a grave attack on the fundamental principle of the judicial independence and right of courts, judges to freely exercise their mandate entrusted by the 125 states party to the Rome Statute. hence compromising the court's ability to undertake investigations and proceedings. We were the first country to have ratified the ICC's founding treaty. We will continue to work with all states parties and partners to consolidate a credible international criminal justice that protects victims and guarantees lasting peace based on law and human dignity. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Senegal, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.

Madam President, South Africa aligns with the statements delivered by Sierra Leone on behalf of the African States Parties to the International Criminal Court, and Mexico on behalf of a cross-regional group of states. South Africa thanks the International Criminal Court for its comprehensive annual report and commends the Court for its unwavering commitment to ending impunity for the world's most serious crimes. This past year has seen meaningful advances in international justice. The convictions of Messrs Yekatom and Ngaisona for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Central African Republic, demonstrate that justice and accountability, although being delayed, can be achieved. We acknowledge the progress in the trials, including the Ali Kushayb case concerning Darfur, which is now awaiting judgment. Madam President, beyond courtroom proceedings, we are particularly heartened by the work being done for victims. Over 3,800 victims have received or enrolled in reparations programs and nearly 19,500 people, most of them being women, have benefited from assistance programs. This is what justice looks like when it reaches those who need it most. We commend the continued work of the Trust Fund for Victims, which continues to prove that accountability isn't just about punishing perpetrators, but it is about restoring dignity to survivors. Madam President, South Africa is compelled to address the most urgent and alarming challenge highlighted in paragraph 127 of the report, which is the persistence of attacks, threats, and coercive measures from states and other external actors against the court and its officials. This worrisome trend constitutes a direct threat to the integrity and independence of the international legal order. South Africa views these sanctions and threats as an attempt to intimidate and obstruct the court's effort to hold perpetrators of the most serious crimes accountable. The ICC as the pillar of the Rome Statute system must be allowed to carry out its mandate without fear or favor. For the Rome Statute system to be truly credible and effective, the principle of equal and consistent application of international law must be paramount. South Africa will continue to advocate for a just system that is shielded from politicization and that applies the law without geographical or political bias. We echo the Assembly of States Parties resolution calling on all states to resist such attempts to intimidate and obstruct international justice. We commend the Court's emphasis on complementarity, support national jurisdictions to investigate and prosecute crimes themselves. The establishment of the complementary trust fund and technical assistance to domestic courts, including Colombia's special jurisdiction for peace, shows that the ICC isn't trying to replace national justice systems, but instead it is trying to strengthen them. We encourage continued dialogue on complementarity and capacity building to strengthen national jurisdictions, particularly across the Global South. In conclusion, Madam President, South Africa reaffirms its steadfast support for the International Criminal Court and its vital role in promoting peace, security, and the rule of law. We stand ready to work with the international community to ensure the Court is robustly defended against external interference, enabling it to fulfill its mandate to deliver accountability for the gravest crimes known to humanity. I thank you, Madam.

I thank the distinguished representative of South Africa. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste.

Madam President, Timor-Leste aligns itself with the joint statement in support of the International Criminal Court delivered earlier by Mexico and adds the following remarks in its national capacity. We are grateful to the President of the Court, Judge Tomo Kuo Kane, for her clear presentation and for the Court's comprehensive report on its ongoing activities. Timor-Leste reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the International Criminal Court. The Court is a cornerstone of the international legal order. It gives voice to victims, affirms the rule of law, and embodies the principle that no one is above the law. For small states such as ours, the ICC is not an obstruction. It is a practical mechanism of last resort, a means by which victims may seek accountability and by which the international community can resist impunity. We are deeply concerned by recent acts of pressure, reprisals and punitive measures directed at the Court and at those who cooperate with it. Such actions do not merely attack an institution. They undermine the hopes of victims, erode trust in international justice among vulnerable states, and weaken the multilateral framework upon which peace and stability depend. Protecting the Court's integrity is therefore not an institutional nicety. It is essential to preserving the ability of international law to deliver justice. Accordingly, Timor-Leste joins others in urging all states to safeguard the court's impartiality, to engage constructively with its organs, and to ensure that judges, elected officials, and staff can perform their duties free from intimidation, coercion, or undue interference. The credibility of the court and of international justice more broadly ultimately depends on our collective political will to respect and implement its decisions, including cooperation with arrest warrants and judicial requests. The Court's most recent report demonstrates notable resilience and concrete achievements. It records progress across multiple investigations and trials, a renewed emphasis on reparations and victims' rights, and strengthened cooperation with the United Nations in field operations. We all come, in particular, the expansion of the Trust Fund for Victims, which now reaches nearly 20,000 beneficiaries, a tangible example of restorative justice in practice. Timor-Leste commends the ongoing cooperation between the ICC and the United Nations and encourages further operational coordination, especially in the context where UN presence facilitates access, protection, and outreach. We also acknowledge the vital role of civil society, academia, and non-governmental organizations. They bring the court closer to people, supporting victims, raising awareness, and building the cooperation that justice needs to succeed. Madam President, the Asia-Pacific region remains underrepresented in the Rome Statute system. Greater ICC visibility and engagement in our region are essential to building confidence and understanding of its mandate. Timor-Leste stands ready to serve as a bridge, sharing regional perspectives and promoting dialogue among neighbors so that the cause of international justice might take deeper roots across our part of the world. We welcome the accession of states such as Ukraine to the Rome Statute and the growing acceptance of the Kampala and subsequent amendments. Conservatively, Conversely, we note with concern recent announcements of withdrawal from the Statute system. Such withdrawals diminish universality and impede our shared pursuit of justice. Engagement, not disengagement, is the path that best advances accountability and prevention. Timor-Leste remains committed to efforts to strengthen the Court's jurisdiction over the four core crimes and encourages continued dialogue among state parties toward that goal. We look forward to the 2029 conclusion of this process, as foreseen in the resolution adopted by the Assembly of State Parties, to bring greater coherence and legitimacy to the Rome Statute system. As a nation that emerged from conflict through a combination of dialogue, reconciliation, and justice accountability, Timor-Leste knows that peace without justice is fragile. Our own history reminds us that silence cannot sustain peace. The ICC gives this lesson an international effect. We therefore call for adequate resourcing of the Court, protections that enable it to operate free from intimidation, and continued attention to greater balance, regional representation, and inclusivity within its organs so that the Court may more fully reflect the community it serves. Madam President, To end, Timor-Leste stands ready to work with all partners to strengthen the Rome Statute system, enhance victim-centered reparations, and promote the universal application of international criminal justice for present and future generations. We affirm that no nation, no leader, and no moment in history is beyond the reach of justice. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Timor-Leste, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uruguay.

Thank you very much, Madam President. We'd like to begin by expressing our thanks to the President Judge Tomoko Akane for her presentation of the report of the Court's activities for last year. We value the detail on the decisions, the trials at advanced stage, the continued work on reparations to victims, as well as also active efforts to support different individuals in different countries. We regret the difficulties noted in cooperation between states, including the threat or unilateral sanctions. Without prejudice to these difficulties, we trust that the ICC will be able to continue decisively contributing to maintaining international peace and security, strengthening the collective commitment to justice and human rights. Uruguay was a pioneering country in Latin America, ratifying the Kampala Convention in 2010 and all the amendments to the Rome Statute related to war crimes in March 2023. We reaffirm our unwavering support to the ICC and its commitment to combating war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crimes of genocide. We welcome the tight links between the UN and the ICC in cooperation, dialogue, and dissemination of the important work of the court, fostering greater understanding of its important work as well as the complementary nature of them, complementary to national courts. In addition, we recognize the referrals made by the Security Council. In terms of fine-tuning the Rome Statute, we welcome the debates held in July this year on proposed amendments related to the crime of aggression, with a roadmap towards 2027. Madam President, we believe that the universalization of the Rome Statute and its amendment, the criminal ratification at the international level, are fundamental to fostering the power of the Court to ensuring justice and accountability. as well as to contributing to reparations for victims and to prevent future international crimes. In addition, the Court needs to ensure that it can maintain its independence and impartiality. We express our concern at the sanctions taken against judges and personnel at the ICC, as well as those providing assistance to investigations, arrests, detentions or judicial proceedings. To conclude, we trust that the resolution of this UN General Assembly will count on full support as a reflection of the commitment of the international community to international criminal justice and combating impunity for atrocity crimes. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Uruguay, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Maldives.

Thank you, President. All protocols observed. The Maldives thanks the International Criminal Court for the report before us. We acknowledge the dedication of the Court, and above all, we recognize the dignity and resolve of the victims and survivors who continue to carry the weight of harms that should have never occurred. The Rome Statute was a turning of the page. It reflects a recognition that certain crimes rupture the very foundations of our shared humanity. The Court was established so that when such acts occur, the world does not look away, so that accountability is not something we hope for, but something we uphold. The report demonstrates that this work continues to take meaningful form. Over 18,000 victims took part in proceedings. Reparations and assistance delivered through the Trust Fund for Victims continue to rebuild lives in practical, human terms. But the report also presents a reality we must confront soberly. The Court can determine responsibility for the gravest crimes. It can issue arrest warrants. It can order reparations. But it cannot enforce these alone. We must allow ourselves the clarity to say the Court is not failing, it is revealing. It reveals where cooperation is principled and where it is conditional. It reveals where the rule of law prevails and where political calculation still draws the line. The outstanding arrest warrants test the credibility of the international rules-based order. And when coercive measures are directed at court officials, we can see clear attempts to return justice to the realm of permission and negotiation. We know this pattern. History has shown it to us many times. Whenever law begins to constrain power, power attempts to remind the law of its limits. But history also shows us something else, that every lasting achievement in human rights began the same way, with a group of states deciding that principle is worth holding to, even when it was not convenient to do so. The Maldives reaffirms its unwavering support for the independence and impartiality of the ICC. We call on all States to cooperate fully with the Court without delay, refrain from all forms of pressure, direct or indirect, on the Court and its officials, and strengthen contributions to the Trust Fund for Victims. where justice becomes lived experience. If accountability remains conditional, the law remains aspirational. If the law remains aspirational, impunity becomes precedent. We cannot allow that to be the legacy of our time. The struggle is not only legal, it is civilizational. It is about refusing to let cynicism disguise itself as wisdom. It is about insisting that the law applies, even when it is not convenient. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Maldives, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States.

Thank you, Madam President. President Trump's February 6th executive order is clear. The United States unequivocally opposes any ICC actions against the United States or any other U.S. ally that has not consented to ICC jurisdiction. This order was issued in response to the ICC's illegitimate actions over personnel of the United States and certain of its allies that have not consented to its jurisdiction, including Israel. The ICC's ongoing actions against the United States and Israel set a dangerous precedent, threaten to infringe on the principle of state sovereignty, and undermine our critical national security and foreign policy work. The core U.S. objection to the ICC has been unchanged for nearly three decades, going back to our participation in the Rome Statute negotiations. The ICC prosecutor and judges wield enormous power that has proven to be unchecked as any safeguards provided in the Rome Statute have failed or been ignored. The United States will no longer stand by and let this happen. As our long-standing concerns have been realized and the threat presented by the ICC has grown, our response has escalated in proportion. Our objectives are clear. The ICC and States Parties have the opportunity now to change course. Now is the time for action. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the United States. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil.

Madam President, Brazil is a founding member of the International Criminal Court and has consistently supported its mandate to investigate and prosecute the most serious crimes under international law. The ICC has the mandate to act when States cannot or will not fulfill their obligations under international law in this regard. We express our concern over attempts to interfere with the independent exercise of judicial functions. The growing threats to the Court and its officials are alarming. Court personnel have faced intimidation and illegitimate unilateral actions. One cannot claim to defend criminal international justice while simultaneously seeking to undermine the mandate of international tribunals. The instrumentalization of justice poses serious risks to the credibility and effectiveness of the international legal system. Brazil calls upon all states to refrain from any actions that hinder or obstruct the work of the Court and threaten its officials. Madam President, the establishment of the ICC more than two decades ago marked a historic milestone for the international community. It was conceived as a beacon of hope for all those seeking justice through an independent, permanent and impartial Court. Despite the significant progress achieved since its creation, The promise that inspired the Rome Statute has yet to be fully realized. We cannot ignore the fact that the International Criminal Court took more than 15 years to act upon the situation in Palestine. By its late response, the Court helped foster a state of impunity that contributed to the breakdown of international law that we have been witnessing in the occupied Palestinian territory. Madam President, as an intergovernmental institution, the ICC must reflect equitable geographical representation in its governance. For the Court to be truly representative, reform of its institutional framework is both necessary and urgent. Concrete steps must be taken to address the persistent underrepresentation of Latin America, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region in the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties. Brazil reiterates its strong expectation that this imbalance will be addressed soon through the collective will of State Parties. Madam President, the path ahead remains challenging. Brazil reaffirms its unwavering commitment to international justice, peace and human rights. We also reiterate our support for the Court's mandate. It is necessary to safeguard the ability of its officials to perform their duties free from intimidation or undue interference. It is essential to ensure that the ICC's work will be balanced, independent and impartial. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil. And I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Trinidad and Tobago.

Madam President, Trinidad and Tobago welcomes the opportunity to contribute to this debate on agenda item 74, report of the International Criminal Court. On behalf of the government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I wish to begin by expressing sincere gratitude to the President of the International Criminal Court for her comprehensive and insightful presentation of the Court's annual report this morning. This report not only highlights the significant progress made in advancing international justice, but also underscores the ongoing challenges that demand our collective resolve. Trinidad and Tobago takes immense pride in the pioneering contributions of our esteemed compatriot Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson. Former Prime Minister and former president of our nation. It was Mister Robinson who in nineteen eighty-nine tabled the groundbreaking proposal at the United Nations General Assembly that revived the idea of establishing a permanent International Criminal Court. His visionary leadership and tireless advocacy were instrumental in laying the foundation of what would become the Rome Statute and the ICC itself. We honor his legacy as a champion of accountability and human dignity on the global stage. Trinidad and Tobago is proud of this legacy. We reaffirm our unwavering support for the mandate and independence of the ICC. The court stands as a pillar of the international rule of law and we remain steadfast in our belief that the ICC is essential for prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. We urge all state parties to uphold their obligations under the Rome Statute, to cooperate fully with the Court, and to provide the necessary resources for it to carry out its important work. The ICC's effectiveness depends on our collective commitment to justice. Madam President, Our commitment extends beyond the court to the broader principles of the rule of law and international law. In an increasingly interconnected world, upholding these foundations is vital for the attainment of peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability. Trinidad and Tobago will continue to advocate for strengthened cooperation among state parties enhanced capacity building for national judiciaries and universal adherence to the Rome Statute. Madam President, Trinidad and Tobago also wishes to acknowledge the invaluable work of the Trust Fund for Victims. Which gives tangible expression to the Rome Statute's commitment to justice. Not only through accountability but also through reparation and healing. The Fund's efforts to provide assistance, rehabilitation, and support to victims, their families, and affected communities embody the human dimension of international criminal justice. We commend the dedication of the Board of Directors and the staff of the Trust Fund for their continued service in restoring dignity and hope to those who have suffered unimaginable harm. Trinidad and Tobago encourages all state parties to contribute voluntarily to the fund. Thereby strengthening this vital pillar of the court's mandate and reaffirming our collective commitment to a system of justice that places victims at its core. Madam President, Trinidad and Tobago remains unwavering in its support for the mandate, independence, and the integrity of the International Criminal Court. We are mindful that the ICC faces significant challenges and these challenges only underscore the importance of collective resolve. We therefore urge all state parties to the Rome Statute to honor their obligations cooperate fully with the court and ensure it receives the financial and political support it needs to carry out its vital mandate. The government of Trinidad and Tobago believes that enduring peace and security cannot be sustained without justice and that justice must rest upon fairness, accountability, and equality before the law. Our continued engagement with the ICC reflects our conviction that international criminal justice is not a threat to sovereignty, but a safeguard to our shared humanity. Looking ahead, we call upon non-state parties to the Rome Statute to consider accession or ratification, thereby expanding the Court's reach and legitimacy. In a world where impunity threatens the fabric of the international order, universal participation is imperative. Trinidad and Tobago stands ready to engage in dialogue and share our experience to support this goal, ensuring that the ICC evolves as a truly inclusive institution for all nations. Madam President, I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Trinidad and Tobago, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the European Union.

Madam President, I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union. At the outset, we would like to thank President Tomoko Akane for presenting the annual report on the activities of the ICC during the period from the 1st of August 2024 to 31st of July 2025. Despite the increasingly challenging environment in which it operates, the Court continues to carry out its important work and make significant progress in the global fight against impunity for the most serious crimes. We commend the President, the other elected officials, and all the staff of the Court for their dedication, and we assure them of our unwavering support and commitment to upholding the Rome Statute and preserving the ICC's independence and integrity. The ICC is the cornerstone of the international fight against impunity, holding perpetrators of the world's gravest crimes to account and giving victims a voice. The EU, views the Court's work as indispensable for ending impunity and promoting an international order based on international law, in line with the principle of complementarity. The report and further recent developments demonstrate that the Court is working with determination in order to deliver justice and remains steadfast in pursuing accountability across many situations on different continents. The recent conviction in the Darfur situation is a first in many respects. Finally, delivering justice for some of the many victims in Darfur, reaffirming gender-based persecution as a crime against humanity, and implementing the referral to the ICC by the United Nations Security Council. As civil war continues in Sudan 20 years later, this case reminds us that accountability is essential for reconciliation and preventing recurrence of crimes. In general, the report confirms the need for accountability worldwide and the key role the court plays in it. It also shows that the Court pursues no political objective and endeavors to carry out its mandate independently and impartially, with no agenda other than to deliver justice and reparation for victims. Regrettably, the Court faces pressure, threats, intimidation and actions intended to destabilize its judicial activity and undermine its legitimacy and impartiality. The European Union condemns any attacks or threats against the Court, its elected officials and those cooperating with the Court. The cyber attacks and sanctions directed against the Court and its elected officials, including EU nationals, and those cooperating with the Court are deeply concerning and may affect the functioning of the Court and impair its capacity to deliver justice to victims of atrocities across all situations. They also have a chilling effect on civil society actors who work to support the Court and assist victims. The EU stands united in supporting the Court, its elected officials, its personnel, and those cooperating with the Court. The ICC must be able to pursue its independent investigations and impartial judicial proceedings. The EU has engaged directly with the Court and affected officials, as well as with civil society actors, to discuss the current situation and will continue to explore concrete measures to protect the Court. Madam President, the Court cannot fulfil its mandate without effective cooperation from States. We call on all States to follow up on their obligations to cooperate with the Court and end impunity for the gravest international crimes. In particular, we call on all States parties to redouble efforts to identify new avenues for strengthened cooperation with the Court, including regarding the execution of outstanding arrest warrants. Yet, arrest warrants and arrest and surrender of suspects remains a critical challenge. As noted in the report, 33 arrest warrants are still outstanding. We urge all States to live up to their obligations and refrain from any action that would frustrate the activities of the Court or undermine its decisions. We stress that the lack of cooperation with the ICC may affect the Court's ability to exercise its functions. Effective cooperation also requires ensuring that the Court has the means to fulfil its important functions. We are mindful that the Court needs adequate capacities, commensurate with the increasing workload and challenges to its work. We therefore urge all States Parties to provide the ICC with the necessary resources, including in this year's budgetary discussions in the ASP context. The EU, from its side, will continue to do its part, including through the provision of grants and other necessary assistance to ensure the Court's effectiveness. Furthermore, we encourage States Parties and others to continue supporting the Trust Fund, as well as the Court's survivor-centred approach to accountability for sexual and gender-based crimes. Madam President, to succeed in the global fight against impunity, the ICC must become truly universal. The EU will continue encouraging the widest possible participation in the Rome Statute and its effective implementation at the national levels, as well as in the Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the ICC. We congratulate Ukraine on becoming the 125th State Party of the Rome Statute as of this year, and encourage Ukraine to ensure its swift implementation. At the same time, we regret the recent announcement by some States Parties of their decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute. We encourage them to reconsider and remind them that they shall continue to fulfill their obligations until any such withdrawal takes effect. Madam President, in closing, the EU reiterates our resolute commitment to the Court and will continue to support it politically, diplomatically and financially. We will continue calling for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes to be brought to justice and held to account. No one, no matter who they are or where they are, must be allowed to escape justice, which must be delivered to every victim. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of the European Union. We have heard the last speaker in the debate of this item. We shall now proceed to consider draft resolution A/80/L.9. For your information, the draft resolution has closed for e-sponsorship. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

Thank you, Madam President. I should like to announce that since the submission of the draft resolution, and in addition to the delegations listed on the L document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of A/80/L.9: Australia, Belize, Chile, Colombia, Gambia, Guatemala, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, and Ukraine. If any other countries wish to co-sponsor L9, please signify by pressing the microphone button. I see none. Thank you, Madam President.

I thank the representative of the Secretariat. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote before the vote, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats. I give the floor to the Russian Federation.

Madam President, Today we are once again being asked to adopt a resolution extolling the activities of the so-called International Criminal Court. A resolution which calls for the United Nations and its member states, as well as other bodies, to cooperate with it, with the ICC. We don't agree with such an approach. We call on delegations to take a closer look on the so-called International Criminal Court. The court's credibility is falling. which is something that's not mentioned in the draft resolution. Over the last year, four states have announced their withdrawal from the Rome Statute of this pseudo-court. However, this fact, much like many others, have gone unnoticed in the resolution under our consideration today. It's worth noting that the aforementioned countries noted the exceptional politicization, the neocolonial practices, and the repressive nature of the ICC, a body which bears no relation to justice and hasn't done so for a long time now. We're convinced that other states which respect their own sovereignty and international law will follow in the footsteps of the aforementioned countries. The ICC clearly breaches a pseudo-judicial body, clearly breaches the above. In the draft resolution, there is no mention made of the fact that the ICC Prosecutor, who wields vast and in many instances decisive influence over investigations, is himself under internal investigation for sexually harassing a female colleague. As for the atmosphere at the court, its staff have described it to the media as the most toxic of all the international organizations. And yet, after the investigations into these allegations began, the ICC prosecutor continued to carry out his functions for a long time. He also continued to brief the Security Council. He didn't think that he had at least a moral obligation to abstain from doing so. ICC apologists are calling on everyone to turn a blind eye to these inconvenient facts. They support the court because supposedly there is no alternative to it. However, it's worth reminding everyone that initially the ICC was conceived as an addition to national jurisdictions, not a replacement for them, nor as an instrument for interfering in internal affairs. Moreover, it's worth analyzing the real input this pseudo court makes. to the fight against impunity. Over almost a quarter of a century, in its activities, the ICC, which has an annual budget of almost 200 million US dollars and a bloated staff table, well, the ICC rendered only 15 sentences, of which four were acquittals. In 12 cases, the allegations were either withdrawn by the prosecutor or the allegations were not confirmed by the judges. Nine accused persons were either killed or died before proceedings were completed. Thirty-three accused persons, which are subject to arrest warrants, according to the latest ICC report, well, these 33 individuals remain at large. Now, these disconcerting statistics are neither surprising nor are they unexpected. Most of the, many of the arrest warrants issued by the court are unfounded. They violate international legal norms regarding immunities. Hence, states simply refuse to enforce them. In essence, the systematic non-enforcement of ICC's so-called arrest warrants is no longer the exception. It's now the norm, which speaks to states' genuine attitudes towards this puppet body. It's worth noting that the most fervent champions of the ICC, that is, many Western countries, are unabashedly adopting double standards. For instance, after the ICC issued arrest warrants for the Israeli leadership, many European capitals once again suddenly remembered that under international law, heads of state and government enjoy immunity from foreign criminal jurisdiction. They went so far as to say that the Rome Statute cannot annul the immunity of the highest-ranking officials of a state which is not party to this international agreement. What's not clear is why these states previously held a diametrically opposite position when it comes to the illegal so-called arrest warrants for Russian officials, which are underpinned by absurd allegations. It appears that immunities rules are deployed by the West selectively. They apply them only to themselves and their own allies. Now, this picture illustrates very well the infringement of the principle of sovereign equality and the political independence of states. Madam President, For many years, the ICC was exclusively focused on the African continent. To date, all of the accused in relation to whom there have been sentences handed down or accused who have been put on trial on the territory of one of the former colonial powers and a NATO member state, that is, in the Netherlands, all of them were Africans. Sometimes the ICC becomes a party to domestic political battles. But we should always remember who controls this pseudo-judicial body. Former colonial capitals have their own plans for the ICC. As soon as a country gets involved with the ICC, a foreign agenda and foreign priorities are foisted upon that country by means of the court. In trying to cast off the well-deserved renome that of a neocolonial court, the ICC broadened the geography of its investigations to incorporate other continents. However, circumstances conspired in a strange way, and the court's gaze fell only on the representatives of those states, the policies of which are not to the liking of the pseudo-court's Western backers. As for the many war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by NATO countries in developing states, well, in relation to those, the ICC continues to turn a blind eye. The court's investigations into these crimes were either closed, case in point Iraq, or redirected, as per the situations in Afghanistan and Libya. The accused in the internal investigation into sexual harassment, that is the ICC prosecutor and British national Karim Khan, even coined a special term for this back in the day: deprioritization. Curiously, according to information from Western media, Khan took decisions on requesting so-called arrest warrants in just one case, against the backdrop of the early release from a British prison of his own brother. and in another case where there was a threat of the sexual harassment case implicating himself, Mr. Kohn, being made public. Madam President, we know that many states which are not fond of the ICC are currently abstaining from criticizing it out of solidarity with the Palestinians. We also sympathize with the tragedy that the Palestinian people are going through. However, we believe that the ICC's campaign in the region, aimed at getting good PR for the court, we don't believe that that can help the Palestinians' laudable objectives. Look no further than the situations in Sudan and Libya, referred to this pseudo-court decades ago by the Security Council. Did the ICC's involvement bring us any closer to a peaceful settlement of these conflicts, to a stabilization of the situation in these countries, or to the ultimate objective, justice? You know the answer. The ICC's true colors became clear to us long before Western states began using it as one of the tools of legal aggression. We were not surprised by the divergent approaches the court adopted to the Palestinian and Ukrainian situations. In the prior, the ICC's prosecutor's office did not want to take up the Palestinians' claims for many years. In the latter, in Ukraine, the British prosecutor, Mr. Khan, took the initiative, asking states to refer the situation in Ukraine to the court. To tackle this latter situation, the pseudo-court received record amounts from Western sponsors who were openly paying for this anti-Russia investigation, and then using this as a pretext, they sent their own investigators and spoon-fed the court their own false information. Nor were we surprised by the fact that neither the ICC nor Kyiv's Western backers objected to Ukraine ratifying the Rome Statute with a reservation. For eight years, The court will not have jurisdiction over Ukraine's war crimes. Let us remind you that this was done over the course of repeated, well-documented instances of the Ukrainian armed forces regularly committing war crimes. This selective approach to justice speaks for itself. My country is not a party to the Rome Statute. We do not recognise the ICC's jurisdiction. We deem the decisions taken by this puppet court against Russian nationals as being legally nugatory. The ICC in its current form is simply a political instrument wielded by a group of Western states, compromising the very idea of international justice. The laudatory draft resolution, which is divorced from reality, does not reflect the actual state of affairs. It encourages the ICC to continue committing abuses. As a result, we request a vote on the draft resolution. We call on all responsible states to vote against the draft resolution. I thank you.

I thank the representative of the Russian Federation. I now give the floor to the representative of Nicaragua.

Madam.

President, Nicaragua believes in international criminal justice and order that is impartial, not selective, without politicisation or double standards, and justice that is complementary to national systems. Nicaragua is not a state party to the Rome Statute, which is not a universal agreement. Consequently, nor are we a party to the International Criminal Court, and we do not recognise that court's jurisdiction. We reiterate that this is a harmful precedent because it does not contribute to international order, the decisions of the International Court to launch proceedings against States Parties to the Rome Statute. Madam President, many countries that defend the International Criminal Court do not promote with the same convention the urgent need to address the root causes of terrible situations such as underdevelopment and poverty. And they do not address the structural problems that lead to the outbreak of conflict that lead to extreme situations. Less so, this court talks about the wars that are promoted by these countries. We believe that this undermines the principle of sovereign equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. The role of the court should be to try war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity without double standards, selectivity, and impartiality. We reaffirm our commitment to a multipolar world that is free and fair, in which we can further harmonious relations in respect for our sovereignty and self-determination and independence, a world that promotes respect for international law and the UN Charter. For this reason, Nicaragua will vote against this resolution. Thank you very much.

I thank the representative of Nicaragua. We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote before the vote. The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/80/L.9, entitled "Report of the International Criminal Court". A recorded vote has been requested. We shall now begin the voting process. Those in favor of draft resolution A/80/L.9, please signify. Those against? Abstentions.

The Assembly is now voting on draft resolution A/80/L.9, entitled "Report of the International Criminal Court". Will all delegations confirm that their votes are accurately reflected on the screen? The voting has been concluded. Please lock the machine.

The result of the vote is as follows: in favour 94, against 10, abstentions 34. Draft resolution A/80/L.9 is adopted. Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that they are strongly urged to limit explanations of vote to five minutes, which should any case not exceed 10 minutes and be made from their seats. I give the floor to the representative of Argentina.

Thank you very much, Madam President. Argentina voted against the resolution because we believe that this represents a serious example of politicization, which is done of the work of the International Criminal Court. Argentina, as a country that respects law and international order, notes that undermining the legitimate sovereignty of the state of Uruguay while it distorts the spirit of international law. To that end, respecting the independence of the court, we would like to express our disagreement with the arrest warrants issued against the high authorities in Israel because we believe that the context in which Israel is exercising its legitimate right to self-defense should have been assessed in greater detail. The Republic of Argentina reiterates the inalienable right of Israel to protect its population, preserve its sovereignty, and guarantee its existence as a state. developments with regard to the situation in Palestine contrast with the lack of substantive progress in the assessment of the situation in Venezuela, where the Maduro regime continues to perpetrate countless indescribable crimes against humanity, in light of which the international community remains silent. The Republic of Argentina has made appeals to the court on two occasions, supported with numerous evidence, to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice. Regrettably, the report of the court does not reveal significant progress in the reporting period. Madam President, the Republic of Argentina reiterates its commitment to the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute. We will continue to support the Court's efforts to ensure that crimes are investigated and punished rigorously. At the same time, we uphold the right of democratic nations to protect themselves from existential threats and to guarantee the security of their citizens. in this common goal, states parties must address the inherent risks within the international criminal justice system, while the Court must continue to strengthen its role to ensure real, impartial, effective justice. only with balanced and results with equanimity can that must be ensured in all cases could we ensure trust in this institution and enshrine and shore up the principles of international law thank you.

I thank the representative of Argentina and I now give the floor to the representative of Belarus.

Madam President, Belarus was compelled to vote against the resolution. We note with regret that the International Criminal Court has turned into an instrument of political manipulation being used to exert pressure on governments not to the West's liking. Also, the ICC's double standards are undermining the foundations of the rule of law. The ICC has repeatedly breached the provisions of its own own statute as well as norms of international law, specifically the norms or rules regarding the immunities of the officials of sovereign states. Furthermore, the ICC took inconsistent, contradictory decisions. In light of this, it comes as no surprise that state support for the ICC is flagging. Belarus would like to once again state that it is unacceptable to arbitrarily broaden the Court's jurisdiction. We'd like to draw your attention to the fact that this violates the principles of sovereign equality and political independence of states. It discredits the independence and impartiality of the entire system of international justice. I thank you.

I thank the representative of Belarus. We have heard the last speaker in explanations of vote after the vote. May I take it that is the wish of the assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 74? It is so decided. Before adjourning, members are informed that agenda item 73 will be considered at a later date to be announced. The meeting is adjourned.

Thank you, Madam President. Thank you.