South Africa today again reiterated its support for the International Criminal Court and its commitment to cooperate with the Court in line with its obligations under the Rome Statute.
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Andries Nel, who is leading the South African delegation, said:
"South Africa takes its obligation to cooperate with the Court very seriously and to this end we have enacted domestic legislation to provide for cooperation with the ICC."
He also highlighted the difficulties that arise for states seeking to give effect to requests for cooperation with the Court:
"Execution of requests for cooperation and assistance, including freezing and tracing of assets, is a cumbersome undertaking ofteninvolving different role players, both both public and private."
But also that:
"We are continuously looking at ways to improve this process and the presentations today by the panelists have been informative in this regard."
He was speaking in a discussion on cooperation with the Court during the 11th Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute on the International Criminal Court being held in the Hague.
For further information contact:
Dr Dire Tladi
Cell: +1 917 442 8069
Email:diretladi2012@gmail.com
