ICC President addresses United Nations General Assembly, Calls for renewed support amid threats

The President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Tomoko Akane, today addressed the United Nations General Assembly to present the Court's annual report, outlining key judicial developments, reparations activities, cooperation efforts, and the challenges facing the institution. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the President addressed General Assembly by way of a pre-recorded video, following the United States' imposition of sanctions against the Court on 9 October 2026.

In her address, President Akane reaffirmed the Court's determination to fulfil its judicial mandate despite sanctions, threats and other challenges facing the institution. "Despite all the challenges, the International Criminal Court will continue to carry out its judicial mandate with full independence and impartiality, acting only on the basis of the law and the evidence. In so doing, the Court is firmly resolved to contribute to the rule of law in the international community".

In relation to the Court's judicial activities, President Akane noted that proceedings continued to advance at every stage, from investigations and arrest warrants to confirmation of charges, trials, appeals and reparations. Victims remained at the centre of the Court's work. During the reporting period, more than 23,500 victims participated in proceedings before the Court, including more than 7,000 at the reparations stage. 

The President highlighted the central importance of cooperation in the execution of arrest warrants. At present, 34 publicly known arrest warrants remained outstanding. "For States Parties, cooperation is a legal obligation under Part 9 of the Statute, and the obligation to arrest and surrender lies at its heart", she said.

President Akane also emphasised that broader participation in the Rome Statute system remains essential to strengthening the Court's legitimacy. She welcomed Hungary's decision to revoke its notification of withdrawal, while noting that six States notified their withdrawal during the reporting period.

The President expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support provided by the United Nations. “The United Nations is a key partner of the Court. In line with the 2004 Relationship Agreement, the Court continued to receive crucial support from United Nations entities, departments, offices and special advisers and representatives of the Secretary-General, including in the field, where the United Nations directly supported 61 missions”, she stated. 

Concluding her remarks, President Akane called on States and the international community to continue supporting the institution created under the Rome Statute to combat impunity for the world's gravest crimes. "History will judge how the international community protected the Court and the mandate entrusted to it by the Rome Statute. The time to act is now", she stated.

ICC President Speech to the United Nations General Assembly, 02.11.2026

Annual report of the International Criminal Court to the United Nations General Assembly

For more information, please contact the ICC Public Affairs Unit: PublicAffairs.Unit@icc-cpi.int. You can also follow the Court’s activities on X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Flickr