President Muhammadu Buhari on
Sunday departed Abuja for the 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.
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