(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BRUSSELS, July 17 (KUNA) -- An event was held at the headquarters of International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, The Netherlands, on Monday and Tuesday to mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the ICC.
According to an ICC press release Tuesday, high-level representatives of more than 30 states were in attendance included the President of Nigeria, representatives of national Senates and Parliaments, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Justice, as well as officials of international and regional organisations, civil society and academia.
Speakers reiterated their support to justice and accountability for the gravest crimes listed under the Rome Statute.
The event featured a keynote address by the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, as well as remarks by the President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, O-Gon Kwon; ICC President, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji; ICC Prosecutor, Mrs Fatou Bensouda; among others.
In his opening remarks, the President of the Court, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, recalled that the Rome Statute was adopted with a vision of a world in which atrocities that shock the conscience of humanity would no longer be committed with impunity.
"Let us make sure that we do not let down those who worked so hard to make the Statute of an International Criminal Court a reality", President Eboe-Osuji said.
"The ICC has given hope for justice to so many, by demanding strict adherence to the rules of international humanitarian law. A strong and effective ICC demonstrates the international community's commitment to the rule of law," said the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
"I am certain that the Rome Statute is as necessary today as it was 20 years ago. I believe it is important to go 'back to the basics' with a renewed dedication, commitment and also excitement - just as we did when we first adopted the Rome Statute," said the President of the Assembly of States Parties, H.E. O-Gon Kwon.
ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda stressed the importance of the anniversary and the opportunity it presents to recommit to the values and goals of the Statute, but also to take stock of the last two decades and reflect on how the Rome Statute system can be made more effective. (end) nk.hm
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