Special session on the review of amendments on the crime of aggression -Assembly of the States Parties to the Rome Statute
United Nations, 7 July 2025
Madam President,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Cyprus aligns itself with the joint statement delivered on behalf of the Group of Friends on the review of the ICC’s jurisdiction over the crime of aggression and wishes to add some remarks in its national capacity.
We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the Rome Statute and express our full support for the ICC. Together with other States Parties, we have consistently worked to consolidate the ICC as a strong, independent and impartial judicial institution.
As one of the first countries to ratify the Kampala amendments, Cyprus views this Special Session as a unique and important opportunity to harmonize the Court’s jurisdiction. The jurisdictional regime adopted in Kampala was a landmark achievement, but it left a notable accountability gap, particularly in situations where aggression is committed by nationals of non-states parties. This gap risks creating a space where impunity can persist, undermining the credibility and deterrent power of the Court.
For Cyprus this is not a theoretical concern. We have experienced first-hand the devastating consequences of foreign aggression, the scars of which remain visible, and justice has long remained out of reach. This reality reinforces our conviction that accountability must not depend on the identity or status of the aggressor.
In this regard, Cyprus welcomes this Special Session aiming at expanding and strengthening the ICC’s jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. It is our view that the Court should be able to exercise jurisdiction over all four core crimes under the same legal conditions.
Madam President,
This Special Session is not only an opportunity to reflect on our collective achievements but also a call to action. Thus, Cyprus urges all States Parties to the Rome Statute to participate actively and support the process of amending and strengthening the Court’s jurisdiction on the crime of aggression in order to strengthen the fight against impunity for this crime and ultimately ensure that the ICC continues to serve as a pillar of justice, accountability, and the rule of law.
Thank you.