New york: Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cyprus to the UN, Ambassador Maria Michail, reaffirmed Nicosia’s ‘strong and steadfast support of the International Criminal Court,’ in her address before the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, describing it as ‘an independent and impartial judicial institution of the highest quality.’
According to Cyprus News Agency, Michail expressed concern over ‘external threats, coercive measures, and other actions that could undermine its capacity to fulfill its mandate.’ She emphasized the importance of allowing the Court and its staff to carry out their duties without external influence or undue pressure, expressing regret over any attempts to undermine the Court’s independence, integrity, and impartiality.
Michail expressed gratitude to ICC President Tomoko Akane for presenting the report, aligning Cyprus with the cross-regional statement delivered by Mexico and the forthcoming one by the European Union, while also offering remarks in her national capacity.
She underlined Cyprus’s advocacy for the universal ratification and full implementation of the Rome Statute, urging all Member States to become party to the Statute. Michail welcomed the Statute’s entry into force for its 125th State Party, following Ukraine’s recent ratification, highlighting the growing recognition of the Court’s role in combating impunity, ensuring accountability, and preventing serious international crimes.
Michail reminded the Assembly of the ICC’s jurisdiction over genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression, noting these as grave violations of international law. She stressed the expectation for the Court to provide justice for these crimes, in accordance with the principle of complementarity.
Reflecting on the Kampala Amendments concerning the crime of aggression, Michail recalled Cyprus’s early ratification as a victim of foreign aggression and welcomed the acceptance or ratification by four new States. She urged all States Parties to enhance the fight against impunity for the crime of aggression.
Michail highlighted Cyprus’s involvement in the July 2025 Special Session of the Assembly of States Parties, which aimed to strengthen the ICC’s jurisdiction over aggression. She pointed out a notable accountability gap, particularly in situations involving non-States Parties, which undermines the Court’s credibility.
For Cyprus, Michail stressed, the issue is significant as the country continues to face the consequences of foreign aggression. She emphasized that accountability should depend on the gravity of the act and the need to uphold international law, rather than the identity of the aggressor or location of aggression.
Looking ahead, she expressed Cyprus’s readiness for upcoming intersessional meetings and Special Sessions to consider amendments to Article 15 bis, aiming to harmonize jurisdiction over all four crimes of the Rome Statute.
Michail reaffirmed Cyprus’s support for the Trust Fund for Victims, describing it as an essential component of the ICC system. She highlighted the Fund’s role in providing reparations and support for victims of heinous crimes, drawing from Cyprus’s own experience with war crimes.
She concluded by assuring continued financial support to the Trust Fund and urged all States Parties to enhance their efforts in supporting it.