By Dawda M. Jallow
The Gambian government has continued its diplomatic campaign in support of the candidature of Justice Veronic Wright for election as a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), holding a series of engagements with representatives of States Parties in Geneva.
The Geneva outreach follows the launch of Justice Wright’s international campaign in New York on 19 June.
Justice Wright is The Gambia’s candidate under List A of the Rome Statute, which is reserved for candidates with established competence in criminal law and criminal procedure.
As part of the campaign, the Permanent Mission of The Gambia to the United Nations Office, the World Trade Organization and other international organisations in Geneva hosted a breakfast meeting on 26 June under the leadership of Ambassador Professor Muhammadou M.O. Kah.
The meeting brought together ambassadors, deputy permanent representatives and delegates from African, Asia-Pacific, Eastern European, Latin American and Caribbean, and Western European and other States.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Wright outlined her professional experience and vision for the International Criminal Court, highlighting more than three decades of service in criminal justice, accountability and the rule of law.
She referred to her work as a prosecutor in The Gambia, her service at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals and United Nations accountability mechanisms.
Justice Wright also highlighted her experience in prosecuting genocide, crimes against humanity, sexual and gender-based violence and crimes against children, as well as her involvement in legal reform, judicial cooperation, institutional strengthening and transitional justice.
She said she was committed to promoting an independent, fair, efficient and victim-centred International Criminal Court operating in accordance with the Rome Statute, due process and the rights of all parties before the court.
The event included an interactive question-and-answer session during which delegates discussed issues relating to international criminal justice, judicial independence, accountability, victims’ rights and the role of the ICC.
According to the Permanent Mission, the engagement also highlighted The Gambia’s commitment to accountability, the rule of law and human rights, including its transitional justice programme, its proceedings before the International Court of Justice concerning the Rohingya case and its support for accountability initiatives within the United Nations Human Rights Council.
Justice Wright is expected to continue her campaign in Geneva through bilateral meetings with States Parties to the Rome Statute as part of The Gambia’s efforts to secure support for her election to the ICC bench.