Intervention by the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Argentine Republic, Minister Alejandro Verdier

July 17

I would like to start by thanking all panelists and participants and stressing how important is for us to be present here today on INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE DAY to highlight the crucial role of international criminal justice in achieving SDG16.

This is a pivotal time in the implementation and follow-up of the 2030 Agenda and therefore we have to increase all our efforts to reach the global goal of leaving no one behind.

The 2030 Agenda seeks to create a better world of peaceful, just and inclusive societies. It recognizes the special characteristics of conflict and post-conflict situations, while encouraging the international community to build sustaining peace and strengthen our common actions on prevention.

To accelerate the implementation of the SDGs we need to make use of all the tools in the toolbox and to work with all stakeholders and relevant organizations, at local, national, regional and international level.

The International Criminal Court is the first permanent international criminal tribunal with a universal vocation whose main purpose is to bring justice to the most serious crimes with the ultimate goal of ending impunity and giving answers to the countless victims of mass atrocities around the world.

To make the 2030 Agenda a reality we need to work tirelessly against impunity at national and international level and the ICC is a crucial partner in this endeavor. Therefore we call on to all Member States to cooperate with the Court and respect the Rome Statute in its entirety.

The 2030 Agenda creates a great opportunity to build on existing commitments in order to provide a better life for all our people. We should not fail them.

 

I thank you.