RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan gave a speech at the 23rd session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
In particular, he noted:
"Madam President of the Assembly, Dear Delegates, First of all, I would like to congratulate the President of the Assembly for his successful presidency during this year. His efforts to guide the participating States in these difficult and challenging times are truly highly commendable.
It is the first time that the representative of the Republic of Armenia addresses the assembly session as a full member of the Rome Statute. We are taking our first steps on this path, but we are ready to play an active role.
The important decision to become a member of this high body was not made easily. However, given Armenia's history, we were firm in our belief that ending impunity, promoting justice and accountability are of particular importance, and can only be achieved through our combined efforts. We are convinced that the International Criminal Court is one of the important elements of international law.
It also contributes to the development of international law, making it more relevant to current challenges.
And, perhaps most importantly, it provides justice for victims of crimes, which is a critical component of peace and reconciliation. Therefore, Armenia fully recognizes and accepts its responsibility to actively contribute to the strengthening and progress of the Court.
Unfortunately, the geography of the most serious international crimes is expanding, and technological developments provide new methods and opportunities to carry them out. It is imperative that like-minded countries spare no effort to prevent and punish the most serious crimes that challenge humanity; genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and aggression.
We have already witnessed too many situations where early warning and action have been undermined by narrow political interests, paralyzing the effective functioning of institutions directly responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
In this regard, strengthening prevention mechanisms, particularly early warning capabilities, as well as the deterrence potential of international courts, including the International Criminal Court, can lead us to a safer world.
Only by strengthening the global consensus and conviction that the most serious crimes will not be tolerated, and that accountability is vital to lasting and lasting peace, will we ensure that justice is not the privilege of a few, but the right of all.
Armenia is ready to actively participate in the processes of regional and international cooperation to prevent impunity and strengthen the commitment to observe international norms.
We are convinced that the spirit of cooperation among peoples not only strengthens the International Criminal Court, but also our collective ability to uphold justice and the rule of law.
Ladies and Gentlemen, As a long-time supporter of the genocide prevention agenda, Armenia stands at the forefront of international action aimed at strengthening policies and practices against the crime of genocide, as well as forming an international public network to promote prevention methods.
Accordingly, Armenia initiated the "Global Forum Against the Crime of Genocide", which is organized in connection with the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Genocide and the Prevention of that Crime, adopted by the resolution of the UN General Assembly. Armenia is proud to be the author of that resolution.
Summarizing, I would like to address the nature of the International Criminal Court keeping the victims' issues at the center of its activities.
We believe that victims deserve impartial justice, because unpunished crimes lead to repetition and repetition.
In the context of victim support, allow me to express my deep gratitude to the Victim Support Fund for the support and implementation of programs aimed at overcoming the harm caused by Rome Statute crimes. Thank you."
