On 20 January 2023, the United Nations Legal Counsel, Mr. Miguel de Serpa Soares, delivered the keynote address at the ceremony for the opening of the judicial year of the International Criminal Court.
In his remarks the Legal Counsel emphasized the strong relationship between the United Nations and the ICC and the extensive cooperation which the United Nations has provided to the Court in line with the Relationship Agreement between the two institutions. He reiterated that the Court would always find in the United Nations a committed partner, a staunch ally and a firm friend.
The Legal Counsel also recognized the central role of the Court in the international criminal justice system. He added that the abiding challenge for the Court remained to realize its full potential in its fight to end impunity and build a just and more peaceful world, noting that the attention of the international community focused on its work, and in particular its judicial decisions.
On the same day, the Legal Counsel also attended the Fifth annual judicial seminar of the ICC on “The role of national courts in the international criminal justice system”. The Legal Counsel addressed the participants on the topic of United Nations support to national jurisdictions in addressing Rome Statute crimes.