On 17 April 2026, H.E. Ms Annalena Baerbock, President of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC), to meet with ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane and First Vice-President Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala.
During the meeting, ICC President Akane expressed the Court's appreciation for the consistent and unwavering support of President Baerbock during her tenure as President of the General Assembly. "All those who form part of the multilateral system must stand firmly on the side of justice. The Court will continue administering justice without fear or favour, but to do so it relies on the cooperation and support from our partners, including the UN Member States. Your support is particularly essential in these difficult times and amidst attempts to interfere with judicial proceedings".
During her visit, UNGA President Baerbock expressed to President Akane her unwavering support for a strong and independent ICC, free from intimidation and threats. "Accountability cannot be silenced. Victims of the most serious crimes deserve justice," she said.
The visit of the UNGA President to the ICC highlights the institution's continued commitment to the joint efforts deployed in the fight against the impunity of the perpetrators of the most serious crimes that affect the international community as a whole.
The UN and the ICC are two separate institutions. On 4 October 2004, the ICC and the United Nations signed an agreement governing their institutional relationship. The Agreement recognizes the role and mandates of both institutions and defines the terms of their relations and close cooperation on matters of mutual interest.
