4/6/22
Statement by the Republic of Cyprus at the UN Security Council Open Debate on “Strengthening Accountability and Justice for Serious Violations of International Law” New York
Mr. President,
My delegation subscribes to the statement of the European Union, as well as that of the Group of Friends of accountability following the aggression against Ukraine, and wishes to make some additional remarks.
The 1945 International Tribunal at Nuremberg established bedrock principles of international law such as individual accountability for crimes against humanity, war crimes, and, above all, achieved clarity about aggressive war which now constitutes an international crime. The body of law created in the aftermath of World War II had decisively changed the course of international law and the protection of human rights.
We therefore have today a solid system of international criminal justice that includes national courts, ad hoc international tribunals and, notably, the International Criminal Court which is an integral part of the international rules-based order, and a central institution in the fight against impunity and the pursuit of justice.
Cyprus, itself a victim of aggressive war without any ensuing accountability, remains a strong supporter of the ICC and will continue to work for the universal ratification and full implementation of the Rome Statute. Cyprus believes that full cooperation between the Court and the UN is imperative. Security Council members are kept informed of violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in situations on their agenda, and in that regard, they can and must ensure accountability through referrals to the ICC, if credible national accountability mechanisms are lacking. Furthermore, the Council needs to ensure the timely execution of the Court’s decisions and, in particular, the execution of ICC arrest warrants.
Cyprus also believes that the time is right for the International Law Commission’s draft articles on Crimes Against Humanity to be enshrined in an international treaty. The draft Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity presents an opportunity for the international community to coalesce around a common denominator and demonstrate collective action for atrocity crimes.
Furthermore, we also stress the role of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as an accountability mechanism for state responsibility under international instruments, including the Genocide Convention. Cyprus recognized the compulsory jurisdiction of the ICJ in 1988, and we encourage all Member States to do the same.
Mr. President,
Accountability through fair trials for the most serious violations of human rights law and international humanitarian law is the cornerstone of international justice. We must continue to build on the progress of international law to date and to strengthen the rule of law through an effective and robust international criminal legal system. Above all, we must do better in enforcing the rules and utilizing the institutions we already have. We have a collective responsibility to cultivate a culture of accountability and to deter the commission of future crimes. Failure to do so will only undermine international peace since it will embolden authoritarian regimes to commit more crimes.
I thank you.
