15 December 2011, New York;The PermanentRepresentative of Maldives to the United Nations H. E. Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, speaking at the plenary meeting of the Tenth Session of the Assembly of State Parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC),reaffirmed the full commitmentof the Maldives to promote the universality andfull implementation of the Rome Statute. He said that the Maldives is "proud to be among the group of countries who have committed themselves to combat impunity, in respect of international law and to provide justice to those victims who have often been forgotten in the labyrinths of diplomacy."
"We strongly believe that the rule of law in societies, at all levels is a crucial ingredient to the realization of socio economic objectives, and a reinforcement of core democratic principles. We are a strong supporter of the International Criminal Court and its conformity with the United Nations Charter in strengthening the rule of law and the respect for human rights", the Permanent Representative stated.
In his statement delivered at the general debate of the Assembly today, the Permanent Representative referred to the unfolding events in the Middle East and North Africa, reiterating that the right response of governments to popular protest is to listen to the genuine aspirations of the people for the administration of justice, and to work through a process of dialogue to address their concerns.
The Permanent Representative commended the work of the Court in advancing the protection the Statute affords to women as well as the gender sensitive approach adopted by the Court in its workings. "Gender crimes are one of most heinous forms of crimes against humanity and it is imperative that the Court continues its case law and jurisprudential work," he said. He further underscored the importance of the Court having access to adequate resources to fulfill its mandate effectively.
Following the Maldives' accession to the Rome Statute earlier this year, the Maldives is participating for the first time in the meeting of the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC, which is being held in New York from 12 -21 December.Along with the Maldives, the Philippines, Cape Verde and Vanuatu are also among the new members who have joined the Court in 2011, raising the membership of ICC to 120.
The Maldives ratified the Rome Statutes of the International Criminal Court on 21 September 2011, at a ceremony held in New York that was attended by H.E. Mr Ahmed Naseem, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives.
ENDS.