We agree with the Secretary-General that accountability mechanisms should f...

We agree with the Secretary-General that accountability mechanisms should first and foremost be established at the national level. This is in line with the principle of complementarity enshrined in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, which reaffirms the primary responsibility of States to prosecute and punish the most serious crimes under international law. International accountability efforts are required only when national systems are unable or unwilling to fulfil their obligations. The Security Council could establish commissions of inquiry or similar accountability mechanisms, and of course also make use of its competence to refer situations to the International Criminal Court.