Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union

17 July marks the anniversary of the adoption in 1998 of the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the only permanent international criminal jurisdiction with a universal vocation.

The goal of the Rome Statute is to bring justice to the victims of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole by ensuring the effective prosecution of their perpetrators.

On this occasion, the European Union reaffirms its unwavering support for the International Criminal Court. We are resolved to defend the integrity of the Rome Statute and the universality and independence of the Court. The European Union stands firm against any attempts to undermine the Rome Statute framework, and the broader international system of criminal justice, upon which rest the last hopes of many victims around the world. The EU calls on all States to cooperate with the ICC and supports reform processes aimed at improving the effectiveness of the Court.

The European Union is a global leader in fostering transparent and accountable justice institutions, promoting independent, impartial and effective justice systems, and supporting access to justice for all.

Since 2000, the European Union has supported the ICC through direct funding for outreach activities, global civil society campaigns and projects to promote the ratification of the Rome Statute, as well as through programmes aimed at improving national justice systems through training and capacity building. The EU also supports transitional justice initiatives and international justice mechanisms related to specific countries.

The European Union has launched a new €21 million project entitled “Global initiative to fight against impunity for international crimes: make justice work!” to support civil society worldwide in contributing to the primacy of international law and fighting impunity for the most serious crimes. The project will also raise awareness of and build support for the Court and its mandate.

The European Union will continue to engage in efforts to support civil society, lawyers, prosecutors and all courageous individuals who work in the field of international criminal justice and who seek justice for atrocity crimes. Civil society and human rights defenders play a crucial role in the denunciation of human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law, thus promoting accountability and justice.

The European Union will continue calling for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes to be held to account and for the rights of victims to be protected. Justice must prevail.