Ms Hohler is a person of unwavering integrity, impartiality, independence, and professionalism. She is committed to the mission of the Court and to international justice.

I am pleased to commend the candidature of Ms Beti Hohler for the election as a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Ms Hohler is an internationally established expert in criminal law and procedure, with extensive practical and academic experience in international criminal justice. She has worked as counsel, prosecutor and judicial advisor, and has spent most of her career in international courtrooms. Ms Hohler possesses in-depth knowledge of the Court’s legal framework and jurisprudence and, as a judge, she would undoubtedly contribute significantly to the efficiency and effectiveness of its judicial processes. In addition to her qualifications and competence, Ms Hohler is a person of unwavering integrity, impartiality, independence, and professionalism. She is committed to the mission of the Court and to international justice, as stated in her curriculum vitae.

Ms Hohler was selected in a fair, competitive, transparent, and merit-based procedure for the appointment of candidates to the highest judicial offices in the Republic of Slovenia, in accordance with the legal provisions on the nomination of candidates for judges of international courts and tribunals. Her candidature was approved by a majority of the votes of the Slovenian National Assembly deputies. If elected, Ms Hohler would be the first ICC judge from Slovenia.

Ms Hohler’s candidature reflects Slovenia’s continued commitment to the ICC. Supporting the fight against impunity, the Court and the rule of law have traditionally been an essential and inherent part of its foreign policy. As a responsible member of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, Slovenia has consistently contributed to the work of the ICC in various forms, with a view to strengthening the institution and realizing its full potential.

I believe that the Court’s ability to successfully address the growing need for effective exercise of its jurisdiction over the most serious crimes is primarily based on its internal strength and stability, which depends on professional competence, dedication, and the capabilities of its elected officials, especially judges.

To this end, Slovenia is privileged to introduce a truly compelling candidate to serve as a judge. A candidate who has the vision and the energy to take on the specific challenges as an ICC judge, a candidate with experience, expertise, and integrity.

As President of the Republic of Slovenia and as a lawyer who has spent many years in both public and private practice, upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights, I would like to wholeheartedly commend Ms Hohler to you. I am convinced that, with her knowledge and personal qualities, she would significantly contribute to the mandate and the future of the Court.