[0:00]Madam President, excellencies, distinguished delegates, the UK cares deeply about international criminal justice and ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes.
[0:12]This is fundamental to our foreign policy and our belief in the rules-based international system. It's why we remain a strong supporter of the ICC.
[0:20]It plays a crucial role in entrenching the rule of law. And over the past year, the court has seen some real successes.
[0:28]With the pandemic still impacting how we work, the courts delivered a verdict in the case of Dominic Ongwen, and it's confirmed the conviction of Bosco Ntanga, who was found guilty of various war crimes and crimes against humanity, including sexual enslavement and rape.
[0:43]It is grotesque that sexual violence is still used as a weapon of war. We want to build a new consensus with partners across the world to condemn it as a red line with all options on the table, including an international convention to stop sexual violence in conflict.
[1:00]I hope I'll be able to rely on your support to hold perpetrators to account, including through this court and to put an end to these heinous acts.
[1:08]The court has seen significant change in recent months. At last year's Assembly of States parties, we argued the election of the best possible judges and prosecutor were vital to the future of the ICC.
[1:20]So we're very pleased that since then, six new judges have been elected to the court. This includes the excellent judge Joanna Corner from the UK.
[1:30]We wish all of the judges every success as they consider cases coming before the court. The court has also opened a new chapter under prosecutor Karim Khan.
[1:39]He should enjoy the support of all state parties in his work to hold the guilty to account and provide redress to victims.
[1:47]We'll further strengthen the court by continuing our essential efforts towards reform. We believe these should be focused on three areas.
[1:54]First, through improvements to governance. The court must be seen to be making its decisions and conducting effective investigations and prosecutions to the highest legal standards.
[2:05]This needs greater focus on professionalism in all aspects of the court's work.
[2:10]Second, we need to see a clear and consistent approach to the practical application of the complementary principle, whereby the ICC steps in only as the last resort when national authorities are genuinely unable or unwilling to investigate or prosecute.
[2:26]Third, the court should take a more rigorous approach to ensuring it prioritises effectively making the best use of available resources and being realistic about what can be achieved.
[2:37]Last year, we welcome the recommendations of the Independent Expert Review by implementing those recommendations. We will deliver a truly inclusive process of reform.
[2:48]This should be a priority for all of us over the coming year. Of course, we recognise that meaningful reform cannot be achieved overnight.
[2:56]It requires careful, determined effort over a sustained period, so we must stick at it and we must keep the momentum up.
[3:03]I commend the ICC for the work so far. We have to keep working together to end impunity for the most serious crimes of international concern and achieve justice for victims.
[3:14]You can be assured of the UK's enduring commitment to that end.
