The signing of the agreement on the enforcement of sentences of the International Criminal Court confirms Poland's unchanging position towards the efforts of the entire international community to bring to justice those responsible for crimes committed on the territory of Ukraine. The willingness to accept persons convicted by the ICC is also a clear signal that Poland is fulfilling its international obligations in prosecuting and punishing war crimes. To date, agreements on the enforcement of ICC sentences have been concluded with 15 states.

President Hofmański stated that the enforcement of imprisonment is a key element of a well-functioning and complete criminal justice system and that he looks forward to the swift conclusion of the Agreement on the Enforcement of Sentences with Poland.

The International Criminal Court, based in The Hague, is the first permanent international court in history established to prosecute individuals accused of the most serious crimes, such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. Since the outbreak of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Polish law enforcement agencies have been cooperating with the ICC, providing investigators with evidence which allowed to identify the perpetrators of some of the crimes.

The management of the Polish Ministry also took part in the ceremony of awarding the President of the ICC, Professor Piotr Hofmański, with the "Bene Merito" honorary badge. The award was presented to the laureate on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski by Minister Adam Bodnar.

“On behalf of the Republic of Poland, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for your service. I am glad that the symbolic end of your term as President of the ICC is the negotiation of an agreement with Poland," said Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar.

The "Bene Merito" badge is awarded for activities that strengthen Poland's position on the international arena. Professor Piotr Hofmański is an outstanding specialist in criminal law and human rights, author of numerous scientific articles and monographs devoted to this subject. He is also the first Pole elected to the position of judge of the International Criminal Court.

In his laudatory speech, Minister Adam Bodnar stressed the exceptional contribution that Professor Hofmański has made to the development of Polish and European criminal law. He pointed out that Professor Hofmański’s exemplary work for international justice can be a source of inspiration for future lawyers. Minister Bodnar also informed that Poland has officially declared a contribution of 50,000 euros to a special security fund.

This was Professor Hofmański's last meeting with representatives of the foreign delegation as President of the ICC.

An important element of the visit was also a meeting with Polish students, which took place in the building of the Polish Embassy in The Hague. During the discussion, topics related to equal treatment of minority groups, anti-discrimination law, the rule of law, and the Polish constitutional and European order were raised. The Minister of Justice stressed that respect for the rules of a democratic state of law is the foundation of a modern civil society. 

Press Office 
Ministry of Justice