THE International Bar Association (IBA) hosted a high-level meeting in Geneva, bringing together officials from the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), and state representatives to discuss enhancing the role of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in promoting accountability for international crimes.
In an emailed statement, the event ― held on March 18 during the 58th session of the UNHRC ― focused on strengthening political support and cooperation between the ICC and UN mechanisms.
It was organized by the IBA’s ICC & ICL Programme and Human Rights Institute (Ibahri) in collaboration with Belgium’s Permanent Mission to Geneva and co-sponsored by Chile and Sierra Leone.
“The IBA remains steadfast in supporting dialogue between institutions tasked with protecting victims’ rights,” said IBA Executive Director Dr. Mark Ellis. “States must uphold their commitments, speak out, and actively support institutions designed to safeguard justice.”
Among the key speakers were ICC ASP President Ambassador Päivi Kaukoranta, ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler, and ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan.
The discussion was moderated by Belgium’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Christophe Payot.
“In a world of fragmented international relations, the ICC remains steadfast in its mission,” Kaukoranta said. “With threats and sanctions looming over the Court, it is crucial that States Parties take measures to protect and support it.”
Khan emphasized the importance of stronger networks with UN-mandated mechanisms, calling them “crucial in our work towards accountability for international crimes.”
Zavala Giler warned that undermining the ICC could set a precedent for dismantling international accountability mechanisms.
“Defending the ICC is about defending the principles that ensure no one stands above justice,” he said.
The discussions continued in a private briefing with ICC officials, UNHRC stakeholders, and Geneva-based diplomats, co-organized by the IBA, Belgium’s Permanent Mission, and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.
