ICC President addresses European Parliament Sub-Committee on Human Rights

On 27 April 2010, the President of the International Criminal Court (“ICC”), Judge Sang-Hyun Song, visited Brussels, Belgium in order to address the European Parliament Sub-Committee on Human Rights and to answer questions from the Members of the European Parliament in attendance.

At the meeting, the ICC President provided an update on the recent work of the Court and outlined the important aspects of the Review Conference, which will be held in Kampala, Uganda during 31 May-11 June 2010.

The ICC President expressed his appreciation for the substantial cooperation of the European Union (“EU”) with the ICC as well as the support of the European Parliament in particular and discussed the continued cooperation between the ICC and EU in the context of items that will be elaborated upon at the Review Conference.

“[T]he EU has demonstrated a remarkable willingness to consider and adapt to ICC issues. Over time, it has tailored its support to the Court’s evolving needs,” said President Song. “At Kampala, the European Union and its Member States will have a new opportunity to pledge improvements in cooperation that will make the ICC more efficient and increase its deterrent effect.”

The International Criminal Court is an independent, permanent court that investigates and prosecutes persons accused of the most serious crimes of international concern, namely genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes if national authorities with jurisdiction are unwilling or unable to do so genuinely. All 27 members of the EU are States Parties to the ICC, and the ICC and the EU concluded a cooperation and assistance agreement in 2006.

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