18 April 2017
Información para la Prensa N°: 132/17
Today, Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra and the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, subscribed an agreement between the Argentine Republic and the ICC on the enforcement of ICC sentences, for which the signature of agreements with the States Parties to the Rome Statute of 1998, the founding treaty of the ICC, is required.
Foreign Minister Malcorra highlighted the fact that an Argentine woman presides over the Court, and underscored that: “The principles of which we have spoken so much and which are contained in the United Nations Charter are sustainable. The system is working and has started to show results, still with some limitations, but we all have to redouble efforts and commitment. Signing this important document brings me double joy; what we are doing today is one more demonstration of Argentina’s commitment.”
“At a moment when justice and certain principles are being called into question in some places, Argentina once again shows its commitment. We will continue strengthening this commitment and we will continue working together with the ICC,” stated Susana Malcorra.
The Secretary for Justice, Santiago Otamendi, and officials from the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights and from the Foreign Ministry, i.e. members of the competent areas that will implement the agreement, participated in the event.
For her part, Fernández de Gurmendi underscored that: “This agreement is one more demonstration of Argentina’s commitment since it started working with the ICC from its foundation until now. Next year we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute and this year we are celebrating the 15th anniversary of the beginning of operations. Back in 1998 we were wondering if the Court was even possible, and 20 years later we are wondering if it is sustainable. I believe so; I believe that during these last 15 years the Court has shown that it can fulfil its mandate. Witness protection is vital and today’s agreement on the enforcement of sentences is a major step too.”
The International Criminal Court is a permanent court with jurisdiction to hear cases related to war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. At the Review Conference of the Rome Statute, held in Kampala in June 2010, the Statute was amended to include the crime of aggression, over which the Court does not have jurisdiction yet.
The signature of this agreement, which is one of the first agreements of this nature between a State Party to the Statute and the ICC, reaffirms Argentina’s commitment to the international criminal justice system based on the International Criminal Court as a tool to fight against impunity.