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The Hague, Netherlands -- Today, 18 April 2013, Mr Herman von Hebel was sworn in as Registrar of the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a ceremony held in an open session of the Court. ICC President Judge Sang-Hyun Song presided over the session and the Vice-President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), Ambassador Markus Börlin, served as witness to the solemn undertaking. Several judges of the Court were also in attendance, as well as Deputy Prosecutor James Stewart and Deputy Registrar Didier Preira.
During the ceremony, ICC President Song welcomed the new Registrar, saying, “Today, after more than a decade since the ICC was officially established, and with eight situations before it, the Court is busier than ever. I am convinced that the ICC will greatly benefit from Mr von Hebel’s experience and skills, and that his mandate will be marked by further institutional improvements and advances”.
ASP Vice-President Börlin recalled the role played by the Assembly in the process leading to the election of the Registrar via its recommendation to the judges on the shortlist of candidates submitted by the Presidency of the Court. He also noted that Mr von Hebel possesses an invaluable insight into the Rome Statute system, as he had participated since 1995 in the negotiations leading to the adoption of the Rome Statute, as well as ample experience in the work of a Registrar at the international level. Ambassador Börlin assured him of the support of States Parties as he assumes his new duties and endeavours to strengthen the “One-Court” principle as an essential element in consolidating the Court’s key role in the fight against impunity.
Mr von Hebel then signed his oath before Deputy Registrar Preira, and made his first speech as ICC Registrar. “In Rome in 1998, a common vision prevailed that led to the adoption of the ICC Statute. Too many people in the world have suffered and continue to suffer from the commission of horrendous crimes. Impunity for the perpetrators is not an option. But the fight against impunity continues. It is this underlying goal that will drive me in the coming years to work closely together with everyone involved in the work of the ICC”, he said.
Registrar von Hebel (The Netherlands) was elected for a period of five years by the judges of the Court, on 8 March 2013. As Registrar, he will run one of the four organs of the Court, the Registry. The Registry supports the Court so it can conduct fair and effective public proceedings. The Registry is responsible for general court management, security, public information, court records, translation and interpretation, counsel support, support for victims to participate in proceedings and apply for reparations, and much more. All tasks performed by the Registry are in clear support of the Court’s strategic goals.
For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: fadi.el-abdallah@icc-cpi.int.
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