Chief Prosecutor of the ICC visits Ireland

Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mrs Fatou Bensouda

On a recent visit to Ireland, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mrs Fatou Bensouda, met key lawmakers and discussed how Ireland could assist the Court’s work to promote human rights and the rule-of-law internationally.

The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mrs Fatou Bensouda, visited Ireland on 16 and 17 December 2013. In the course of her visit she met with the Minster for Justice and Equality, the Attorney General and the Director for Public Prosecutions to exchange views on issues concerning the Court and during which Ireland reinforced its support for the work of the Court.  Ireland has been a long-time supporter of the Court regarding is as an essential element of an international criminal justice system aiming to end a culture of impunity for crimes of the most serious concern to the international community.

She delivered a lecture on 16 December 2013 at the Royal Irish Academy to an audience comprising members of the diplomatic corps, of the judiciary and of the legal profession, government officials, academics and students. This lecture, entitled “The International Criminal Court – current challenges and future prospects” was co-hosted by our Department and University College, Cork. During the lecture, which was chaired by the Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Susan Denham, the Prosecutor outlined the current challenges facing the Court and reiterated the need for State Parties to the Rome Statute, which established the Court, to cooperate with the Court and to support the Court to ensure that it can carry out its work effectively.

Mrs Bensouda addressed the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade on 17 December 2013 and had a useful exchange of views on a number of issues, including on the role of the Court in relation to ongoing situations of conflict.   

Ireland has been a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court since its inception, recognising its critical role in ensuring respect for international criminal law at the highest levels. Ireland supports the widest possible ratification and implementation of the Rome Statute which founded the Court. To date, 122 states have become parties to the Statute, which sets the Court’s mandate to deal with international crimes which include genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Ireland’s annual contribution to the Court is approximately €800,000. In addition, Ireland has provided financial support for the Court’s work in supporting victims and communities affected by mass atrocities though annual contributions to the Court’s Trust Fund for Victims.

Mrs Bensouda delivered The lecture was chaired by the Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Susan Denham.

About the ICC

The International Criminal Court, which is based in The Hague, was established by the Rome Statute which entered into force in 2002. It is the first permanent, treaty-based international criminal court in order to help provide justice and accountability in relation to the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.