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| President Buhari and Netherlands Prime Minister, Mark Rutte |
Buhari Delivers Speech At International Criminal Court
President Muhammadu Buhari is
currently a guest of the International Criminal Court, the Hague in
Netherlands, as the World institution celebrates its anniversary.
As earlier reported by Us, President
Buhari is the only world leader invited to deliver a keynote address
during the Solemn Hearing to commemorate the 20th anniversary at Courtroom 1 of
the ICC’s Headquarters at The Hague.
A copy of the keynote address delivered by President Buhari on
the occasion of the 20th anniversary celebration of the International Criminal
Court at the Hague, Netherlands was made available to Us by Femi Adesina,
special adviser (media and publicity) to the President.
It reads:
“I am honoured to be with you here today to
celebrate the anniversary of this vital global institution. I say “vital”
because the world needs the ICC.”
“Let me start by congratulating you, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, on your election as President of the International Criminal
Court, and also thank the judges of the Court for electing you, a cherished son
of Nigeria. Nigeria is very proud of you, Mr. President.”
“Let me also express my gratitude to the
International Criminal Court for inviting me to speak on this occasion.”
“As we know, the International Criminal Court
was established twenty years ago as a global court, inspired by the Nuremberg
trials of World War II war criminals, to hold people accountable for crimes
against humanity, war crimes, crimes of genocide and aggression.”
“In addition to preventing impunity, promoting
adherence and respect for the rule of law and fundamental freedoms worldwide
and to punishing those in leadership positions responsible for the most
appalling crimes and atrocities, the ICC has given hope for justice to so many,
by demanding strict adherence to the rules of international humanitarian law.”
“With the alarming proliferation of the most
serious crimes around the world, the ICC, and all that it stands for, is now
needed more than ever, in ways that were unforeseeable to its founders. The ICC
may have been created at a time of optimism that it would not need to be
utilized frequently, but, unfortunately, the increase in international crimes
has only increased the Court’s relevance.”
“Indeed, while limits on the ICC’s
jurisdiction mean that it cannot presently act with regard to some of the dire
crises of the day in states that are not parties, by acting where it can, the
ICC reinforces the demand for justice far beyond its own cases.”
“A strong and effective ICC has the potential
to send a powerful message about the international community’s commitment to
accountability, a message that will be heard by both victims and perpetrators.
Equally, a strong and effective ICC demonstrates the international community’s
commitment to the rule of law.”
“A strong and effective ICC can also act as a
catalyst for other justice efforts, expanding the reach of accountability.
These could include serious cases of corruption by state actors that severely
compromise the development efforts of countries and throw citizens into greater
poverty. These could also include cases of illicit financial flows where
countries are complicit and obstruct repatriation of stolen assets. As the
African Union Champion on Anti-corruption, these are issues dear to my heart.”
“The Rome Statute created more than a court;
it created the outline for a system of justice for horrific crimes rooted first
in national courts doing their job, and where they fail to do so, the ICC
stepping in only as “the court of the last resort.”
“The ICC also needs increased cooperation and
financial resources from its member states. State parties should express their
commitment to increasing efforts in these areas, including pledging concrete
assistance.”
“The twenty years of the Court’s existence
have witnessed several challenges, some of which had threatened the very
existence of the Court itself. Most notable were the withdrawals and threats of
withdrawals of membership of the Court by some States, as well as accusations
of bias in the exercise of the jurisdiction of the Court. Thankfully, the Court
has addressed these challenges in a dignified and commendable way.”
“Nonetheless, the Court needs to take on board
all constructive criticisms and allay lingering fears and concern through
targeted messaging, awareness raising and possible modification of some legal
provisions. If properly articulated, communication and awareness raising would
surely engender trust and encourage greater cooperation of Member States with
the Court and even encourage non – Member States to decide to become Members.
It must avoid even a hint of bias or political motivations.”
“The goals and responsibilities of the Court
are no doubt very challenging and daunting but with the cooperation of all, coupled
with the high calibre of Judges and staff of the Court, the challenges are not
insurmountable. I, therefore, urge all States not to politicize the decisions
of the Court but to always bear in mind the rationale for the establishment of
the Court in the first place.”
“I urge all States that have not yet done so
to, as a matter of deliberate State policy, accede to the Rome Statute of the
International Criminal Court so that it can become a universal treaty.”
“Nigeria has cooperated with, and supported
the Court at all times. This, we have demonstrated by our full and transparent
cooperation on matters on which we are being investigated and also in our
several Country statements at the sessions of the Court. Our cooperation with
the Court is borne out of our strong belief in the respect for the rule of law
and human rights, and in our firm commitment to the sanctity of fundamental
freedoms at international and domestic levels, as ingrained in the objectives
for establishing the Court.”
“In conclusion, let me intimate you that
Nigeria is preparing to conduct general elections in 2019. Contrary to the
tragic incidents that characterized the 2011 general elections in Nigeria which
necessitated preliminary investigations by the International Criminal Court, I
assure you that all hands are on deck to prevent any recurrence of such tragic
incidents. We shall do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria witnesses the
conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections in 2019.”
“Again, I congratulate the Court on its 20th
Anniversary and wish it continued growth, relevance and success in the years to
come in its vital role as a bulwark against man’s inhumanity to man.”
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