On the 4th of December, the Legal Counsel accompanied the Secretary-General in the opening of the sixteenth session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, composed of representatives of the States that have ratified and acceded to the Rome Statute. (Link to SG's Speech)

The Legal Counsel also participated in the special plenary meeting held on the 13 of December in the context of the sixteenth session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute.

This event was particularly important as it marked the beginning of the commemorative activities for the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute

In his remarks delivered in presence of representatives of States, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations, the Legal Counsel emphasized the importance of supporting and cooperating with the International Criminal Court with the shared goal of ending impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. Mr. Serpa Soares also highlighted the important relationship between the United Nations and the Court since its inception, and emphasized the strong support that the UN continues to provide to the ICC in its daily activities, in particular through the Office of Legal Affairs. The Legal Counsel concluded by inviting those present to reflect on the important role of enforcement in the protection of human rights and the respect of international humanitarian law, and the firm commitment needed to continue, with collective institutional effort, fighting against impunity for the most serious crimes.