On 27 September 2024, in New York, at the conclusion of her participation in the High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, attended a Ministerial Roundtable of the Group of Friends for the Review of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
The Group of Friends for the Review of the Rome Statute met for the first time since the Rome Statute was ratified by Ukraine, and this was also the first meeting with Palestinian representation.
In her statement to the participants of the meeting, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed Latvia’s support for the International Criminal Court in its mission to serve international justice and underlined the importance of the Kampala Amendments to the Rome Statute.
One of the most significant outcomes of the First Review Conference was the adoption of the Kampala Amendments providing the International Criminal Court with a mandate to prosecute the crime of aggression – the ultimate violation of international law. Latvia believes that the definition of the crime of aggression laid down in the Rome Statute should become the cornerstone of a potential Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. This step would not only supplement but also significantly strengthen the Rome Statute system itself.
“Latvia reiterates that the 2025 Review Conference of the Kampala Amendments is our opportunity to expand the International Criminal Court’s mandate and send a clear message that the most serious crimes of international concern shall not go unpunished,” Baiba Braže underlined.
Later during the day, the Minister took part in the annual meeting with Jewish organisations in the United States for a discussion on topics high on the international agenda, including Russia’s war against Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, combating disinformation, and other matters.
The Foreign Minister met with experts of a think tank, the International Crisis Group (ICG), to exchange views on latest political developments in various regions across the globe.
The Foreign Minister also had bilateral meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Economic Cooperation of San Marino, Luca Beccari, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zambia, Mulambo Hamakuni Haimbe.
The High-level Week the 79th Session of the UNGA in New York is held from 21 to 30 September. Alongside discussions on international developments, the key focus of this session will be placed on the strengthening of international solidarity and the rules-based order.
Topics highlighted while participating in UN events are Russia’s accountability for international crimes committed in Ukraine, the strengthening of multilateralism and international order, and the need for a global governance reform.
Further information
- Latvia ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court on 20 June 2002.
- States Parties to the International Criminal Court
- The Kampala Amendments
- The International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank
