In relation to recent statements regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC), I would like to reiterate that the Court and its staff have the strong support of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute. I reaffirm our full confidence in the Court as an independent and impartial judicial institution and reiterate our strong commitment to uphold and defend the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute and to preserve its integrity undeterred by any threats against the Court. I express our deep concern over threats against Court officials, staff and their families.

The ICC embodies our collective commitment to fight impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern. I reiterate our call on all States to respect the judicial and prosecutorial independence of the Court and work together towards ensuring our common aim of fighting impunity for the perpetrators of the gravest crimes under international law.

The Court is an impartial and independent judicial body, its actions governed strictly by the legal framework of the Rome Statute, its founding treaty. One of the cornerstones of the Rome Statute system is that it recognizes the primary jurisdiction of States to investigate and prosecute atrocity crimes. As a court of last resort, the ICC is complementary to national jurisdictions.

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The Assembly of States Parties is the management oversight and legislative body of the ICC. It is comprised of representatives of States that have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute. President Kwon was elected President of the Assembly for a three year mandate in December 2017.