Full text of Buhari’s address at International Criminal Court event
Netherlands to deliver a keynote address on the occasion of the 20th
anniversary celebration of the International Criminal Court, ICC,
during which the president said he would, as the current
anti-corruption champion for the African Union, reaffirm Nigeria's
support to the fundamental values of the Rome Statute and to the
ideals of the ICC.
Nigeria's Ambassador to the Netherlands, Oji Ngofa, later explained
that the decision of the International Criminal Court to invite only
President Muhammadu Buhari from among world leaders to the 20th
anniversary of the Rome Statute of the Court was an indication of the
high respect the court has for the country.
Speaking with journalists in The Hague, Ngofa expressed the belief
that Buhari's visit will be an opportunity to show Nigeria's
appreciation for the honour done to the country by electing a Nigerian
as President of the Court.
Meanwhile, at Courtroom 1 of the ICC where the anniversary event held,
the Nigerian President, in his address said:
I am honoured to be with you here today to celebrate the anniversary
of this vital global institution. I say "vital" because the world
needs the ICC.
2. Let me start by congratulating you, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, on your
election as President of the International Criminal Court, and also
thank the judges of the Court for electing you, a cherished son of
Nigeria. Nigeria is very proud of you, Mr. President.
3. Let me also express my gratitude to the International Criminal
Court for inviting me to speak on this occasion.
4. As we know, the International Criminal Court was established twenty
years ago as a global court, inspired by the Nuremberg trials of World
War II war criminals, to hold people accountable for crimes against
humanity, war crimes, crimes of genocide and aggression.
5. In addition to preventing impunity, promoting adherence and respect
for the rule of law and fundamental freedoms worldwide and to
punishing those in leadership positions responsible for the most
appalling crimes and atrocities, the ICC has given hope for justice to
so many, by demanding strict adherence to the rules of international
humanitarian law.
6. With the alarming proliferation of the most serious crimes around
the world, the ICC, and all that it stands for, is now needed more
than ever, in ways that were unforeseeable to its founders. The ICC
may have been created at a time of optimism that it would not need to
be utilized frequently, but, unfortunately, the increase in
international crimes has only increased the Court's relevance.
7. Indeed, while limits on the ICC's jurisdiction mean that it cannot
presently act with regard to some of the dire crises of the day in
states that are not parties, by acting where it can, the ICC
reinforces the demand for justice far beyond its own cases.
8. A strong and effective ICC has the potential to send a powerful
message about the international community's commitment to
accountability, a message that will be heard by both victims and
perpetrators. Equally, a strong and effective ICC demonstrates the
international community's commitment to the rule of law.
9. A strong and effective ICC can also act as a catalyst for other
justice efforts, expanding the reach of accountability. These could
include serious cases of corruption by state actors that severely
compromise the development efforts of countries and throw citizens
into greater poverty. These could also include cases of illicit
financial flows where countries are complicit and obstruct
repatriation of stolen assets. As the African Union Champion on
Anti-corruption, these are issues dear to my heart.
10. The Rome Statute created more than a court; it created the outline
for a system of justice for horrific crimes rooted first in national
courts doing their job, and where they fail to do so, the ICC stepping
in only as "the court of the last resort"
11. The ICC also needs increased cooperation and financial resources
from its member states. State parties should express their commitment
to increasing efforts in these areas, including pledging concrete
assistance.
12. The twenty years of the Court's existence have witnessed several
challenges, some of which had threatened the very existence of the
Court itself. Most notable were the withdrawals and threats of
withdrawals of membership of the Court by some States, as well as
accusations of bias in the exercise of the jurisdiction of the Court.
Thankfully, the Court has addressed these challenges in a dignified
and commendable way.
13. Nonetheless, the Court needs to take on board all constructive
criticisms and allay lingering fears and concern through targeted
messaging, awareness raising and possible modification of some legal
provisions. If properly articulated, communication and awareness
raising would surely engender trust and encourage greater cooperation
of Member States with the Court and even encourage non – Member States
to decide to become Members. It must avoid even a hint of bias or
political motivations.
14. The goals and responsibilities of the Court are no doubt very
challenging and daunting but with the cooperation of all, coupled with
the high calibre of Judges and staff of the Court, the challenges are
not insurmountable. I, therefore, urge all States not to politicize
the decisions of the Court but to always bear in mind the rationale
for the establishment of the Court in the first place.
15. I urge all States that have not yet done so to, as a matter of
deliberate State policy, accede to the Rome Statute of the
International Criminal Court so that it can become a universal treaty.
16. Nigeria has cooperated with, and supported the Court at all times.
This, we have demonstrated by our full and transparent cooperation on
matters on which we are being investigated and also in our several
Country statements at the sessions of the Court. Our cooperation with
the Court is borne out of our strong belief in the respect for the
rule of law and human rights, and in our firm commitment to the
sanctity of fundamental freedoms at international and domestic levels,
as ingrained in the objectives for establishing the Court.
17. In conclusion, let me intimate you that Nigeria is preparing to
conduct general elections in 2019. Contrary to the tragic incidents
that characterized the 2011 general elections in Nigeria which
necessitated preliminary investigations by the International Criminal
Court, I assure you that all hands are on deck to prevent any
recurrence of such tragic incidents. We shall do everything possible
to ensure that Nigeria witnesses the conduct of free, fair and
peaceful elections in 2019.
18. Again, I congratulate the Court on its 20th Anniversary and wish
it continued growth, relevance and success in the years to come in its
vital role as a bulwark against man's inhumanity to man.
Thank you for your attention.
No comments
Post a Comment