The Hague: Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane will represent South Africa at the 23rd Session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the World Forum Convention Centre in The Hague this week. The ASP acts as the ICC’s principal management and legislative body, consisting of all States Parties that have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute.

According to South African Government News Agency, the session will convene Heads of State, government Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Ambassadors from ICC States Parties. The ASP meets annually to discuss and decide on essential matters concerning the court’s operations, including the election of officials, resource allocation, strengthening cooperation, policy development, and the court’s work. The event is scheduled from 2 to 7 December 2024. While the outcomes of each session vary, recurring themes are consistently addressed.

Since its inception in 2003, the assembly has passed a resoluti
on focused on ‘Strengthening the International Criminal Court and the Assembly of States Parties.’ The yearly gathering acts as a symbol of unwavering support for the court and provides a platform for states to renew and strengthen their cooperation with the ICC and its organs. In light of recent events, particularly the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine, fostering a collective approach to international law and upholding globally agreed norms and standards on international law and human rights is deemed more crucial than ever.

This year’s assembly will tackle pressing challenges, including political pressures, state cooperation, and the need for reform and enhanced effectiveness of the ICC. Minister Simelane’s participation offers a vital opportunity to advocate for greater accountability for international crimes and to further South Africa’s position on human rights, justice, and reform within the global justice system.