Tánaiste welcomes 10th Anniversary of the International Criminal Court

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, T.D., today welcomed the 10^th anniversary of the entry into force of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.  The Rome Statute established the first permanent, treaty-based international criminal court in order to help provide justice and accountability in relation to the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. The Court is a vital element in advancing the protection of human rights for all and to help underpin the United Nations in its role as a promoter and defender of human rights.

The Tánaiste said:

“Since its conception, Ireland has been a consistent and strong supporter of the International Criminal Court, recognising it as an essential means of ending a culture of impunity and of ensuring respect for international humanitarian law at the highest levels.  Together with our partners in the European Union we have taken a leading role in promoting the Court internationally and we will continue to do so.  We are committed to the effective functioning of the Court as a vehicle for helping to promote human rights and the rule of law.  We support efforts to ensure the widest possible ratification and implementation of its Statute.”

Ireland, both directly and as a member of the European Union, provides ongoing support, including funding, for the Court and its work.  To date, 121 states have become parties to the Statute establishing the Court. Fifteen cases have been brought before the Court, of which six are currently at trial stage.  In March this year, a significant and important step was achieved when the Court issued its first conviction.