ICC President Judge Silvia Fernández meets with the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, in Strasbourg (France) on 3 March 2016 © ICC-CPI
Today, 4 March 2016, the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Silvia Fernández concluded a two-day official visit to institutions of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France.
During her visit, President Fernández briefed the Committee of Ministers and the Committee of Legal Advisors on Public International Law (CAHDI) of the Council of Europe on the current activities of the ICC and met with the President of the European Court of Human Rights, Judge Guido Raimondi.
In her remarks, President Fernández recognised the shared values of the ICC and the Council of Europe in the protection and promotion of the rule of law and human rights. She stated that the ICC is today faced with an unprecedented level of activity with four trials, new proceedings in pre-trial as well as proceedings on the reparation of victims.
President Fernández underlined that the support of international community is essential for the Court’s ability to conduct its mandate and that regional organisations such as the Council of Europe play an important role in the interdependent system for the rule of law that is essential for ensuring accountability and providing justice to victims.
Both at the Committee of Ministers and CAHDI, President Fernández engaged in discussion with the delegations of the Council of Europe member states, responding to questions about institutional developments at the Court, the various challenges facing the institution, and progress achieved in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, which is a top priority for her term as President.
During their bilateral meeting, the ICC President and the President of the European Court of Human Rights recognised the various connections between the mandates of the two courts and discussed ways to enhance cooperation and professional exchange on questions of international law and other issues of mutual interest.
Among the 47 Member States of the Council of Europe, whose core values are human rights, democracy and the rule of law, 41 are States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
