Dublin, Ireland – June 11, 2026 — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced that its First Vice-President, Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala, completed an official visit to the Republic of Ireland on June 9 and 10, engaging with senior government officials, parliamentarians, and human rights leaders ahead of Ireland’s upcoming leadership role within the European Union.
During the two-day visit, Vice-President Aitala met with members of the Oireachtas, Ireland’s National Parliament, including representatives from the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Committee on European Union Affairs.
The discussions focused on the ICC’s ongoing work, achievements, and challenges in delivering international justice, as well as the critical role played by States Parties in supporting the Court’s mandate. Aitala highlighted the significance of Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which begins on July 1, 2026, and emphasized the opportunity for Ireland to help strengthen international cooperation in support of accountability and the rule of law.
The Vice-President also held meetings with several key Irish officials, including Attorney General Rossa Fanning and Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne. Their discussions addressed issues of shared interest related to international law, multilateral cooperation, and global justice efforts.
In addition, Aitala met with Liam Herrick, Chief Commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, where conversations centered on human rights protections and the importance of international legal institutions in addressing serious crimes.
The visit comes at a time when the ICC continues to face increasing global attention regarding its investigations and prosecutions involving war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and other serious international offenses. As Ireland prepares to assume a prominent leadership role within the European Union, the Court is seeking continued support from member states to uphold international justice and strengthen accountability mechanisms worldwide.
The ICC noted that Ireland remains an important partner in advancing the principles of the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the Court in 2002.
The visit underscores ongoing efforts by the ICC to engage with governments and institutions across Europe as it seeks to maintain broad international backing for its mission of delivering justice for victims of the world’s most serious crimes.
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