The International Criminal Court (ICC) held a special ceremony today to welcome Armenia as the 124th State Party to the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty.
Addressing the ceremony, ICC President Piotr Hofmański thanked Armenia for joining the Court, for “making it stronger,” and for showing an example to all those who are yet to recognize the Rome Statute.
“Armenia’s ratification of the Rome Statute is a significant decision. It is indeed a brave decision. Armenia has now joined the community of states committed to the notion of the most cries of concern, the international community,” he said.
“The purpose of the ICC is to help put an end to impunity and to contribute to the prevention of future crimes. But the ICC is only as strong as the commitment of the international community to its mandate. That commitment is built step-by-step, brick by brick. I’m grateful to the Republic of Armenia for adding its own brick to the permanent pillar of international criminal justice that the ICC is,” Judge Piotr Hofmański said.
He noted that Armenia is now obliged to cooperate fully with the ICC in accordance with the provisions of the Rome Stature, and participate in financing the Court’s budget.
“I do hope other countries will follow Armenia’s footsteps to join the Rome Statue. Universal ratification of the Rome Statute must remain our goal, even if the road to it is very difficult,” he stated, noting that all states should join it for their own benefit and for the benefit of all humanity.