17 July 2023 – The Hague/Brussels

On the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, we, members of Parliamentarians for Global Action in the European Parliament, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to universal accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. We reiterate our deep support for the International Criminal Court and the Rome Statute system, an essential permanent mechanism that fosters international cooperation in the fight against impunity and ensures that justice and reparations are delivered to communities of victims and survivors of the gravest crimes worldwide.

The European Parliament, through its flagship resolution on addressing human rights violations in the context of war crimes, and crimes against humanity, including genocide, adopted on 4 July 2017, as well as on the crime of aggression, adopted on 17 July 2014, has proven itself a staunch supporter of the International Criminal Court, and a dedicated actor in the global fight against impunity.

Today we call upon States to uphold their commitment by bolstering the efficiency of the International Criminal Court. This entails safeguarding its independence, allocating adequate resources for its operations and functioning, enhancing cooperation, and providing essential support, especially in the face of ongoing threats directed at the International Criminal Court and its personnel.

Preserving the integrity and principles of the Rome Statute and its amendments is crucial for preventing the commission of the most serious crimes, as such atrocities pose serious threats to the peace, security, and well-being of the international community. In this regard, States and parliamentarians worldwide must actively strive for the global ratification of the Rome Statute and its domestic implementation, thus enabling the international community to achieve the universality of the Rome Statute system.

This day also serves as a pivotal moment to urge all relevant stakeholders to continue improving the Rome Statute and thus contribute to the continuous evolution of international law. This includes introducing new crimes of concern for the international community, such as the crime of ecocide. Only through collective efforts can we ensure the Statute remains robust and responsive to contemporary challenges.

The 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute should unite us all toward a common goal. Parliamentarians worldwide, as key stakeholders, must join forces to advance the fight against impunity and strengthen the rule of law. Let us stand together to promote a world where justice prevails, perpetrators are held accountable, and the voices of communities of victims and survivors are heard.

Mr. Fabio Massimo Castaldo, Member of the European Parliament (Italy), Chair of the PGA Group in the European Parliament, and Co-Convenor of the PGA International Law and Human Rights Program