In the traditional statement of the UN Security Council Presidency before chairing the first meeting, Prime Minister Rama said that “we are already bringing to the Council for discussion an issue of high importance, accountability.”

“In a few minutes, I will have the honor and pleasure to facilitate an open debate on behalf of the Albanian presidency on strengthening accountability for serious violations of international law,” Rama said.
The Prime Minister added that “we live in times when conflicts and the devastating consequences they have on civilians and civil infrastructure have become more omnipresent and life-threatening.”
“The devastating toll on civilians, including alarming levels of food insecurity that could potentially lead to an unprecedented famine in our lives, make the need for more effective accountability a key issue for the United Nations and its member states,” said Rama.
Rama stressed that “Russia’s war in Ukraine, which presents multiple challenges and threats to the world, has further accentuated this need.”

“Holding to account those responsible for crimes, mass violations, including the accountability of individuals under criminal law, is key to restoring public trust in justice and security institutions, including the Security Council, and building the rule of law, and a long-lasting peace, ” Prime Minister said.
According to him, “the issue of accountability remains at the heart of the collective measures of the international community to deter acts of aggression.”

“Today’s objectives in the debate are threefold. Increasing the role of the international community to hold states and those who act on their behalf accountable for serious violations of international law. Secondly, strengthening the accountability mechanisms not only at the state level, but also at the regional and international level, ” said Rama.

The Prime Minister also underlined the necessity of focusing attention on the victims. ”

“Determining the truth about international crimes and massive human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law is crucial to upholding the rights and dignity of victims and their relatives,” he said.

Rama called for impunity to be left behind in the past.

“We have witnessed for a long time that the perpetrators of violations of international law are released without facing any consequences. We must not let anyone believe that he can commit crimes and go unpunished. This has happened everywhere, very often. It should not be tolerated, it should not be accepted. We must do everything in our capacity to re-engage with regard to core norms and values and redouble our efforts to ensure compliance and respect for the law. Thus, it is important that we work together, in accordance with international law and the principles and purposes of the United Nations, as enshrined in the UN Charter.

Effective accountability will contribute to peace, reconciliation and increased security to build democracy at the local, regional and global levels and to protect and promote human rights everywhere. We must do everything we can to make the world as small as possible for offenders, using the tools and mechanisms of accountability through justice. Impunity must be left behind in the past,” said Rama.
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