(EMAILWIRE.COM, October 29, 2009 ) New York, NY - ICC-CPI-20091029-PR469 - Today, the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Judge Sang-Hyun Song presented the annual report of the ICC to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York.

President Song provided an overview of recent developments at the Court and spoke about the priorities of his presidency as they relate to the work of the United Nations. Emphasising the need to respect the Court’s judicial independence, President Song stated, “The hallmark of the Court is its independent, judicial nature. Once a situation comes before the Court, justice follows its course. At the same time, this judicial institution operates within a political world. It depends on States and others not just for co-operation, but also to respect, to protect and to enhance its judicial independence.” President Song expressed the Court’s appreciation for all of the efforts of the United Nations to advance the development of international criminal justice, and he called on States, international organisations and civil society to continue to work with the Court and the United Nations to further enhance this system.

The ICC is an independent, international judicial institution with jurisdiction over individuals accused of the most serious crimes of international concern: genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. It is independent from the UN. A relationship between the two institutions was established through an agreement concluded in 2004. In accordance with this agreement, the Court submits an annual report on its activities to the UN.

Judge Sang-Hyun Song, the President of the International Criminal Court’s address to the United Nations General Assembly:
http://145.7.218.140/NR/rdonlyres/23873019-96A9-4CE7-8415-D7A602CB8F78/281108/PresidentSongsaddresstotheUNGA29October2009_ENG.pdf

For further information please contact Ms Sonia Robla, Head of Public Information and Documentation Section at +31 (0)70 515-8089 or +31 (0) 6 46 44 87 26 or at sonia.robla@icc-cpi.int.

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