Kuwait city: The State of Kuwait has highlighted the necessity of international cooperation to empower the International Criminal Court (ICC) in fulfilling its mandate effectively, focusing on the exchange of information and the provision of technical and logistical assistance. This statement was delivered by Diplomatic Attache Jana Al-Thaferi during the UN General Assembly's discussion on the ICC's annual report.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Thaferi described the ICC as a significant achievement in modern international justice and a critical mechanism for combating impunity under the Rome Statute. She emphasized the importance of the Court continuing its work independently while maintaining high standards of transparency, integrity, and judicial governance, and respecting state sovereignty as fundamental to international justice systems.
Kuwait reiterated its unwavering support for the ICC's efforts to promote international justice and hold perpetrators of serious international crimes accountable, aligned with the Relationship Agreement between the United Nations and the ICC.
On a national level, Al-Thaferi mentioned the enactment of several laws this year that reinforce Kuwait's commitment to international humanitarian law. Notably, the law on combating international crimes aims to align national legislation with international obligations by criminalizing war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression, while enhancing judicial cooperation mechanisms for effective prosecution in line with national laws.
She praised the work of the trust fund for victims, which embodies restorative justice by prioritizing victims in the justice process rather than viewing them merely as affected parties. Kuwait acknowledges the fund's humanitarian role in advancing sustainable development goals by empowering affected communities and promoting social peace.
Al-Thaferi encouraged the ICC to foster multilingualism by expanding its working languages to include all six official UN languages, thereby strengthening the rights of defense and victims' participation and reinforcing the Court's inclusive and international nature. She urged all states to reaffirm their commitment to international justice and engage in constructive dialogue to address concerns, preserving the ICC's status as a key legal achievement in the contemporary international order.
She concluded by expressing Kuwait's aspiration for a future characterized by peace, security, and sustainable development, aimed at creating a more just and equitable world.