Registrar of International Criminal Court visits Yerevan State University

Osvaldo Zavala Giler emphasized that the ICC and similar institutions are the guardrails of a rules-based order, protecting individuals and societies from crimes of international concern. 

"By joining the ICC, Armenia has sent a strong message that the country and its people are committed to the rule of law, multilateralism, and international accountability," he stated.

In this context, he underscored that the Court remains steadfast in adhering to the common values and principles that guide the international community and the societies that comprise it. 

"The Rome Statute established the first permanent international criminal court, with jurisdiction over the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. I think that the ICC provides guarantees and solutions that would not exist otherwise," Osvaldo Zavala Giler remarked, adding that if ICC arrest warrants had no impact, its judges would not be persecuted in certain countries.

"How can we speak of human rights when those who devastate entire communities, forcibly displace millions, and launch wars of aggression do so without fear of consequences? How can we uphold human rights if we allow political convenience to dictate who is held accountable and who is not?" he said.  

Osvaldo Zavala Giler further emphasized that the ICC was established to bring common values and principles to life—namely, the understanding that these crimes constitute a threat to peace, security, and the well-being of humanity; the commitment to ending impunity; and the recognition of the Court's role in preventing these crimes. In this regard, he stressed that without mechanisms for accountability, violations will go unpunished.  

During the lecture, he also outlined his responsibilities as the registrar of the ICC.

At the conclusion of the event, participants had the opportunity to pose their questions to the speaker and received comprehensive answers.