John Lahart
Ceist:137. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way that Ireland is supporting the International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32953/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 23 June 2022
Ceisteanna (137)
Freagraí scríofa
The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established as the first permanent international courts to end impunity for the perpetrators of international crimes. The Court was established in 2002 with the entry into force of the Rome Statute. By its very existence the Court not only promotes and upholds the rule of law but also provides a means of bringing to account the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. In this way it contributes in a fundamental way to the cause of international peace and justice.
Ireland has been, and continues to be, a consistent and strong supporter of the ICC. We will continue to publicly support and promote the Court in all relevant international fora, including throughout the remainder of our term on the United Nations Security Council.
In addition to political support for the Court, Ireland strongly believes that the ICC should have sufficient resources to deliver its unique and important mandate. The ICC is funded mainly by means of annual assessed contributions made by the States Parties to the Rome Statute, determined every year at the Assembly of States Parties. The total annual budget of the Court for 2022 is just under €155 million, of which Ireland’s assessed contribution is approximately €1.2 million. Ireland has consistently promoted a budget for the Court that is sufficient to meet the many demands placed upon it, and the recently commenced investigation into the situation in Ukraine will considerably increase those demands over the coming years.
Some of the Court’s work is also supported by voluntary trust funds established for specific purposes. These include the Trust Fund for Victims and the Office of the Prosecutor’s Trust Fund for Advanced Technology and Specialized Capacity.
The Government believes that supporting victims is a critical part of implementing the Rome Statute and ensuring accountability. The ICC’s Trust Fund for Victims was established to respond to the harm resulting from the commission of crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court. Since 2004 Ireland has contributed approximately €1.8 million to this trust fund and I plan to make more available shortly. To this end, during my recent trip to Kyiv and Bucha in Ukraine, I announced that the Government will make an additional voluntary contribution of €3 million to the ICC, €1 million of which has now been distributed to the Office of the Prosecutor’s Trust Fund. This funding will benefit the Prosecutor’s work in all situation countries, not just Ukraine.
The Government is committed to supporting the vital work of the ICC and will continue to work with other countries around the world to promote and strengthen it.