New York, US - The outgoing prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Luis Moreno-Ocampo, on Monday called for more support for ending impunity of international crimes. 'A new global order based on law is coming and it needs support from countries and regional organizations. Seventy years ago, the crime of genocide did not exist,” he said at the 10th session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Stature of the ICC in New York.

He stated: 'Today we are discussing how States and the court are enforcing the new concept of crimes against humanity and genocide. In the 21st century, the Assembly is leading the international community to protect every citizen in the world'.

Moreno-Ocampo, whose term ends in June next year, however, said that support for the ICC was growing as evidenced by the ratification of the Rome Statute by 42 additional States in the past eight years, including 'all South America and Europe and most of the Oceania and sub-Saharan Africa'.

He also highlighted the recent accession of Tunisia, which adopted the Statute two weeks after the fall of the old regime.

'It sent a clear message: there is no turning back to the abuse of power.” he noted, adding that, 'the recent accessions of Bangladesh and the Philippines also show a promising trend in Asia'.

But, the prosecutor said that, 'it is crucial for the ICC to remain independent while also avoiding isolation from the international community so it can do its job effectively'.

'If we are to end impunity and achieve lasting respect and enforcement of international justice, then along with the running of an effective court and progress towards universality we also need to protect the court’s independence,' he added.

PANA reported that Moreno-Ocampo will be succeeded by Ms. Fatou Bensouda of the Gambia, who was officially elected on Monday.

Bensouda, who spoke with reporters after the election, said that she would continue with Moreno-Ocampo’s work and would remain committed to fighting impunity of atrocious crimes.

She also thanked the Assembly for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to work to check crimes against humanity and genocide worldwide.

Meanwhile, UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro congratulated Bensouda on her new position and reiterated UN’s support for the ICC, which includes providing services and facilities for the court’s field missions, as well as facilitating the provision of information.

'The ICC is the vital and indispensable centrepiece of our system of international criminal justice. It is our best hope of ending impunity for international crimes.

'It is the vehicle with which our generation can significantly advance the cause of justice and, in so doing, reduce and prevent unspeakable suffering. If we fail to support the ICC and its noble cause, we fail humanity,” Migiro stated.

Pana 13/12/2011