Remarks of Kenneth Roth, Executive Director, Human Rights Watch to the International Criminal Court Assembly of State Parties

Distinguished Delegates, this assembly marks a turning point for justice and the rule of law. Too many atrocities have been committed by ruthless leaders who calculated that they could get away with mass murder. They have reasoned, quite accurately, that a bit of violence and intimidation is all it takes to shut down any possibility of national prosecution. That impunity stood as an invitation to much of the death and suffering of our time.