The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, met today with the Vice-President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Salvatore Aitala, to whom he reiterated Spain's strong support for the court and its fundamental role in the fight against impunity and in maintaining international peace and security.
Albares, who received the ICC’s second-in-command at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, acknowledged the Court's work, which is more necessary than ever given the escalation of conflicts across all regions and the unprecedented rise in civilian casualties. At the same time, he stressed that the International Criminal Court is a fundamental pillar of the rules-based international order.
The minister took the opportunity to reaffirm Spain's commitment to accountability in all situations and to providing reparation for all victims, whether in Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan or anywhere else where large-scale atrocities are committed.
Albares recalled that Spain's commitment to the International Criminal Court is also financial. In 2023, voluntary contributions reached six million euros and continued in 2024, exceeding two million euros.
Statement of International Support
On 7 February, Spain signed the joint statement of the State Parties to the Rome Statute of the Court, in which nearly eighty countries reaffirmed their continued and unwavering support for the independence, impartiality and integrity of the ICC in the face of sanctioning measures against the court, its officials, staff and those who cooperate with it.
The statement states that these measures increase the risk of impunity for the most serious crimes and threaten to erode the international rule of law, which is crucial for promoting global order and security. They could also jeopardize the confidentiality of sensitive information and the security of the people involved, including victims, witnesses and Court officials, many of whom are Spanish. Sanctions would severely undermine all ongoing investigations, as the Court could be forced to close its on-the-ground offices.
As staunch defenders of the ICC, Spain deplored any attempt to undermine its independence, integrity and impartiality. And, in this regard, Albares today reiterated to the Vice-President of the Court Spain's commitment to ensuring the continuity of the ICC’s activities so that it can continue carrying out its functions effectively and independently.
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