UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY PLENARY DEBATE ON THE REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
Statement by H.E. Mr James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
11 November 2025
Thank you President.
Let me start by thanking President Akane for your report on the important work of the International Criminal Court over the past year.
Twenty-seven years ago, in the shadow of the unimaginable atrocities committed in the former Yugoslavia and in Rwanda, Australia joined with 119 other States to establish the first permanent international criminal court.
Together we affirmed that the most serious crimes of concern to the international community must not go unpunished.
This year our number has again grown, and we welcome Ukraine as the 125th State Party to the Rome Statute.
President, I wish to make three key points today:
First, as a founding member, Australia remains steadfast in our support for the ICC, and we were pleased to co-sponsor today’s resolution.
We reaffirm our determination to ensure accountability for crimes that threaten international peace and, security.
To deliver justice for victims.
To end impunity and guard against future atrocities.
There is no doubting that the Court has faced significant challenges over the reporting period.
Notwithstanding, we consider it is well placed to deliver on its core mandate of holding perpetrators to account for the most serious international crimes.
As we continue to navigate new challenges, we welcome ongoing cooperation between the UN and the Court.
Second, Australia remains committed to upholding and defending the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute, as well as the Court’s integrity and independence.
We encourage all States and civil society to support the Court in carrying out its important mandate.
This is particularly so in the face of attempts to interfere with its operation and staff.
Such threats include increasingly blatant cyber-attacks, which we unequivocally condemn.
Third, we would like to emphasise the importance of the principle of complementarity in guiding the Court’s work.
The Court is one of last resort, whose work is complementary to our own national efforts.
Accountability begins at home. States bear the primary responsibility to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute those responsible for such crimes.
As co-focal point on complementarity with Uganda, Australia reiterates that this principle is crucial to the Court’s success and it must be respected.
President, in closing - we all have a role to play in ensuring the Court is given the ongoing support it requires to deliver its enduring mandate.
Australia reaffirms our commitment to doing our part.
Accountability, justice and the maintenance of international peace and security are our collective responsibility.
Thank you.