Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
26. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will engage with the South African government and seek to join their recent referral to the International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51419/23]
View answerI am aware that on 17 November 2023, South Africa alongside Bangladesh, Bolivia, Comoros, and Djibouti, referred the Situation in the State of Palestine to the International Criminal Court.
In his response to this initiative, the Prosecutor, Karim Khan issued a statement on 17 November where he confirmed that situation in Palestine is already under investigation by the Prosecutor’ office. The investigation covers what is happening currently in Israel and Palestine, including the events of October 7 and all actions since that date.
Furthermore, the Prosecutor called on States Parties to the Rome Statute to provide the Court with the tools it needs to fulfil its mandate effectively across all situations and reiterated the resource needs of his office. Ireland will make a voluntary contribution of an additional €3 million to the Court in support of its important work, in addition to our annual contribution, which was €1.4 million in 2023. We have consistently promoted a budget that meets the needs of the Court and will continue to do so at the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute in December. We must focus on practical steps that can make a difference.
It is important that we do not take any steps that could be perceived as undermining the independent and impartial nature of the Court, and its mandate to investigate all potential crimes under its jurisdiction, irrespective of who the perpetrator or perpetrators may be. We will continue to support the important work of the Court in relation to all the matters that it is currently investigating.
