Today, Deputy Minister Benedetto Della Vedova addressed the meeting of the Informal Ministerial Network (IMN) for the International Criminal Court (ICC), held on the sidelines of the ministerial segment of the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The Deputy Minister emphasised how Italy has staunchly supported the ICC since its creation. “We firmly believe that the ICC plays a key role in combating impunity, holding perpetrators accountable and providing justice to victims, and we are closely following the ongoing reform process”.
“Paying careful attention to the victims is an essential element of international criminal justice, which is why Italy has decided, once again this year, to contribute to the Trust Fund for Victims of the International Criminal Court” – Della Vedova continued – “Yet another way we have, as Party States, to show our support is to ensure that safe havens are made available for ICC fugitives and to ensure that arrest warrants are effectively executed.”
“Consistently with Italy’s focus on the rights of victims, we also welcome the recent agreement between the ICC and the Government of Sudan to transfer to the Hague the persons accused of atrocities in the conflict in the Darfur region.” – the Deputy Minister continued – “We also took note of Prosecutor Khan’s statement of 17 August 2021 regarding the escalation of violence in Afghanistan, including his Office’s willingness to act in accordance with its responsibilities under the Rome Statute.”
“The countries represented here today have invested heavily in the ICC, both politically and financially. We have a responsibility to work together to support it in the future, strengthen it and ensure that it can fulfil its mandate for justice.” – he concluded.
Della Vedova attends the IMN meeting for the International Criminal Court
