ICC and Ireland sign Memoranda of Understanding on voluntary contributions to two special funds of the Registry

On 1 May 2024, the Registrar of the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or the "Court"), Mr Osvaldo Zavala Giler, and the Legal Adviser of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Mr Declan Smyth, signed two Memoranda of Understanding ("MoU") establishing the terms and conditions governing contributions to be made by Ireland to support the following ICC trust funds managed by the Registry: the Special Fund for Security and the Special Fund for Relocations.
 
“The Court is deeply appreciative and grateful for the steadfast support of Ireland in the areas of Security and Witness Relocations, both of which are essential to carry out our mandate effectively and safely. The signing of these two memoranda of understanding is a testament of support at a time when the Court faces a complex environment of operation”, said ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler.
 
With the first MoU, a contribution will go to the Special Fund for Security, which was created to support the Registry to introduce, increase and enhance various cybersecurity aspects, including fortification of digital infrastructure, safeguarding of personnel, and preservation of sensitive information.
 
The second MoU concerns a donation to the Special Fund for Relocations. This Special Fund is set up to manage donations from States to relocate witnesses in third countries through a cost neutral arrangement. This Fund allows States, who are able to donate monetary contributions towards relocations, to support those who are willing to receive relocated witnesses but have reasons preventing them from financing the relocation. The donation will allow the Registry to support the relocation of several witnesses and their family members.
 
The Legal Adviser of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Mr Declan Smyth, said: “Ireland is deeply disturbed by the increasing threats faced by the International Criminal Court and those who cooperate with it. The safety and security of those who engage in the justice system is an essential element of the rule of law.  With the signing of these Memoranda of Understanding,  Ireland underlines its commitment to protecting and supporting all those that participate in this great project to end impunity”.

The ICC is the first permanent, treaty-based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, namely war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression.

For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: [email protected]

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