Agenda item 74: “Report of the International Criminal Court”
United Nations, 11 November 2025
Madame President,
We wish to express our gratitude to President Tomoko Akane for her introduction of the report.
Cyprus aligns itself with the statement delivered by Mexico on behalf of a Cross-Regional Group of states (as well as with the statement to be delivered by the EU) and wishes to add some remarks in its national capacity.
Cyprus has consistently been a strong and steadfast supporter of the International Criminal Court (‘ICC’). Together with other States Parties, we remain committed in consolidating the Court as an independent and impartial judicial institution of the highest quality.
Cyprus also continues to advocate for the universal ratification and full implementation of the Rome Statute and calls on all Member States to become party to the Rome Statute. In this regard, we warmly welcome the Statute’s entry into force this year for its 125th State Party, following Ukraine’s recent ratification.
The ICC has jurisdiction over the crime of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. These crimes represent grave violations of international law, notably the UN Charter, Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
The Court plays a pivotal role in combating impunity, ensuring accountability and preventing recurrence of these most serious crimes of international concern. And it is expected to provide justice for these heinous crimes, in accordance with the principle of complementarity.
Madame President,
With respect to the Kampala Amendments on the crime of aggression, Cyprus recalls that, as a victim of foreign aggression, it was among the first to ratify the amendments, which have been embedded in the jurisdictional regime of the Rome Statute since July 2018. Cyprus welcomes their acceptance or ratification by four new States and urges all States Parties to the Rome Statute to do the same in order to enhance the fight against impunity for the crime of aggression.
In this regard, Cyprus was proud to have participated in the July 2025 Special Session of the Assembly of State Parties aiming at expanding and strengthening the ICC’s jurisdiction over the crime of aggression. While the Kampala regime was a landmark achievement, it left a notable accountability gap, particularly in situations where acts of aggression are committed by nationals of non-states parties, or on the territory of non-States Parties, allowing impunity to persist and undermining the Court’s credibility.
For Cyprus this issue is far from theoretical. We continue to live with the devastating consequences of foreign aggression, and justice has long remained out of reach. Our own experience reinforces our firm conviction that accountability must not depend on the identity of the aggressor or the place where the aggression was committed, but rather on the objective gravity of the act and the fundamental need to uphold the rule of international law.
Cyprus therefore looks forward to the Special Session in 2029 to consider the proposed amendment to Article 15 bis of the Rome Statute, as well as the intersessional meeting in 2027 to advance discussions on this issue, so that jurisdiction over all four crimes of the Rome Statute will be harmonized.
Cyprus further reaffirms its unwavering support for the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the Court in line with Articles 40 and 42 of the Rome Statute. As noted in the annual report, the Court continues to face persistent challenges, including external threats, coercive measures, and other actions that could undermine its capacity to fulfill its mandate. In light of these circumstances, it is crucial that the Court and its staff are able to carry out their essential duties without external influence or undue pressure, ensuring the continued effectiveness of their work in advancing justice and accountability.
Cyprus reiterates its commitment to uphold and defend the values and principles enshrined in the Rome Statute and expresses deep regret over any attempts to undermine the Court’s independence, integrity and impartiality.
We, also, call on all States to ensure full cooperation with the Court for it to carry out its important mandate.
Finally, Madame President,
Cyprus reiterates its strong support for the Trust Fund for Victims, an indispensable pillar of the ICC system. Its work in providing reparations, assistance, physical and psychological rehabilitation for the victims of the most heinous crimes has been truly remarkable. As a country that endured war crimes itself, Cyprus knows and understands the importance of an organized and experienced mechanism offering the necessary support, for the victims to carry on their lives. Our continuous financial support to the Trust Fund remains assured. At the same time, we urge all State Parties to continue or even enhance their efforts in supporting the Trust Fund.
I thank you for your attention.