Yesterday, 17 April 2018, Mr Peter Lewis sworn in as Registrar of the International Criminal Court (ICC) during a public ceremony held at the seat of the Court in The Hague, The Netherlands. ICC President Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji presided over the session and the President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), Mr O-Gon Kwon, served as witness to the solemn undertaking.
During the ceremony, ICC President Eboe-Osuji welcomed the new Registrar, saying: "Mr Lewis joins the Court to complete a change in leadership in the Presidency and the Registry. This change marks a shift of focus for the Court, a focus on the need to revitalise reflection on the ICC's value to humanity. I call upon all to join this reflection." President Eboe-Osuji added: "I must also take this opportunity to pay tribute, and express our gratitude, to all the Staff of the Court. Often, their work is largely unseen and unsung in the roles they play. But, much like the bones beneath the skin and the muscle, the structure cannot stand, let alone move well or move at all, without them."
ASP President Kwon stated: "[Running the Registry] is an arduous and demanding undertaking that requires a capable, qualified mind, able to handle complexity with objectivity and sensitivity. Mr Peter Lewis has a proven track record of fulfilling the main responsibilities and requirements expected of the principal administrative officer of the Registry – the largest organ of this Court, with over 600 staff members."
Mr Lewis then signed his oath before ASP President Kwon, and made his first speech as ICC Registrar. "I take the duties and responsibilities of the Registrar of the Court very seriously, and it is my deep sense of commitment to this institution that will guide my work during my term. I do not underestimate the challenges ahead, but I am sure that with the support of all of you, and the hard work of the staff of the Registry we will continue to ensure the full realisation of the Court's mandate", he declared.
ICC Registrar Peter Lewis (United Kingdom) was elected for a period of five years by the judges of the Court, on 28 March 2018. As Registrar, he will exercise his functions as the principal administrative officer of the Court under the authority of the President, and head one of the four organs of the Court, the Registry. The Registry is responsible for the non-judicial aspects of the administration of the Court, and as such 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.
Source: https://www.icc-cpi.int/Pages/item.aspx?name=pr1382
Photo: ©ICC-CPI (Flickr)