On 23 January the International Criminal Court marked the opening of the judicial year 2020. On this occasion the President of the Assembly of States Parties, Mr. O-Gon Kwon, stated:
"On behalf of the Assembly of States Parties, I take the opportunity to once again reiterate our resolute and continuous support for the Court as a judicial institution which must continue to undertake its mandate in an independent and impartial manner acting strictly within the legal framework of the Rome Statute, its founding treaty."
At its eighteenth session in December 2019,* the States Parties reconfirmed their unwavering support for the Court, and reiterated their commitment to preserve its integrity undeterred by any threats against the Court. The Assembly also expressed concern over any measures against Court officials, and renewed its resolve to stand united against impunity.
"The Assembly will remain steadfast in the defence of the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute", noted president Kwon.
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The Assembly of States Parties is the management oversight and legislative body of the ICC. It is comprised of representatives of States that have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute. President Kwon was elected President of the Assembly for a three year mandate in December 2017.
* ICC-ASP/18/Res.6, adopted by consensus at the 9th plenary meeting, on 6 December 2019, para. 1.