Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties Responds to Announcement of Withdrawal From the Rome Statute by Hungary

Excerpt:  “The Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute expresses concern in response to the announcement that the Government of Hungary has taken steps for Hungary to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (‘ICC’). The Presidency regrets this turn of events. When a State Party withdraws from the Rome Statute, it clouds our shared quest for justice and weakens our resolve to fight impunity. The ICC is at the centre of the global commitment to accountability, and in order to maintain its strength, it is imperative that the international community support it without reservation. Justice requires our unity. The Presidency urges Hungary to continue to be a resolute party to the Rome Statute. Every State Party has the right to voice its concerns before the Assembly, and the Presidency strongly encourages Hungary to have a meaningful discussion on this issue. The Presidency reminds that a State Party shall not be discharged, by reason of its withdrawal, from the obligations arising from the Rome Statute while it was a Party to the Statute.”

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