International Criminal Court welcomes Armenia as a new State Party
Today, 8 February 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) held a ceremony at the seat of the Court in The Hague (The Netherlands) to welcome the Republic of Armenia as the 124th State Party to the Rome Statute, the ICC's founding treaty.
During the ceremony, the ICC President, Judge Piotr Hofmański, presented the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, H.E. Mr Ararat Mirzoyan, with a special edition of the Rome Statute, as a symbol of commitment to the rule of law.
The ceremony was held in the presence of the President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), H.E. Ms Päivi Kaukoranta, a number of ICC Judges, representatives of the Office of the Prosecutor, of the Registry, of the Trust Fund for Victims and of Embassies of States Parties accredited to The Netherlands.
ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmański welcomed the new State Party saying: “Thank you for making this Court stronger. And thank you for showing an example to all those who have not yet joined the Rome Statute. … Armenia has now joined the community of states committed to the notion that the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole must be answered with justice.”
ASP President H.E. Ms Päivi Kaukoranta stated: “On behalf of the Assembly of States Parties, I congratulate and warmly welcome Armenia to the ICC family. I am certain Armenia will become an active State Party in the implementation of the Rome Statute and the pursuit of international criminal justice.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, H.E. Mr Ararat Mirzoyan, said: “ICC’s role in crime prevention and ensuring fair and impartial justice process for peaceful resolution of conflicts is significant. In our region, where we have been confronted by proliferation of conflicts we are convinced that the Rome Statute among other legal mechanisms has real potential to prevent further escalation and atrocities. Let us celebrate not only Armenia's commitment but also the shared vision of a world where justice prevails, and the dignity of every individual is protected.”
Background: On 14 November 2023, the Republic of Armenia had formally deposited the instrument of ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC and the Statute entered into force on 1 February 2024. Armenia becomes the 124th State Party to join the Statute, and the 19th State from the Eastern European group to do so.
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