High-Level Statement on Gender Equality at the International Criminal Court
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In a bid to fight against gender inequality at the International Criminal court, Judge Piotr Hofmański, President of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”), ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda and ICC Registrar, Peter Lewis on 30 April 2021 adopted a High-Level Statement on Gender Equality at the ICC.
In the opening of the statement, the court stated “We, the Principals of the International Criminal Court, Are committed to achieving gender equality and a safe and inclusive workplace culture and environment, through the practical implementation of the goals and priorities set in the Court-wide and organ specific Strategic Plans for 2019-2021, as well as part of the five priority areas from the Court-wide Staff Well-being Framework identified in 2019.” The statement focuses on values of diversity, respect, equality, and the principles enshrined in the Court’s legal framework.
The International Criminal Court reiterated that gender equality is about equal rights responsibilities and opportunities for all “For us, gender equality is about equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities for all; it covers the relations in the context of our work environment between women and men and other groups, reflecting a wide understanding of gender identities and gender expressions.”
“This commitment is consistent with values of diversity, respect, equity and inclusion we cherish and uphold, as well as the principles enshrined in the Court’s legal framework, from the Court’s foundational document, the Rome Statute to the Regulations of the Court, the Staff Rules and Staff Regulations, the Code of Judicial Ethics, the Code of Conduct for the Office of the Prosecutor, the Core Values of the Office of the Prosecutor, and the Code of Professional Conduct for Counsel.” The statement reads
The High-Level Statement is In line with the Court’s zero-tolerance policy, “we all have an obligation to continue to strive to ensure a safe and inclusive working environment, free from any form of discrimination or harassment, including sexual or gender harassment, or physical or verbal abuse at the workplace or in connection with work. Additionally, we believe it is critical to ensure that staff have full confidence in the available avenues for addressing any inappropriate behaviour or misconduct, so that it does not remain unreported and unaddressed. Commitment and accountability must be increasingly entrenched across the Court and at all levels.”
Read/download the full copy of the statement through the link below: a High-Level Statement on Gender Equality at the ICC
High-Level Statement on Gender Equality at the ICC.
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
