The 26th anniversary of the Rome Statute
17 July 2024 marked the Day of International Criminal Justice, commemorating the 26th anniversary of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This landmark treaty, the first of its kind, established the ICC and set forth a robust framework aimed at ending impunity for perpetrators of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. 124 countries have become States Parties to the Rome Statute, underscoring its global significance and the widespread commitment to justice it represents.
The ICC’s foundational mission
The Rome Statute, adopted on 17 July 1998, is the ICC’s founding treaty. The ICC stands as the first permanent international criminal court dedicated to ending impunity for the gravest crimes that threaten international peace and security. Its creation marked a monumental step towards ensuring that justice is served for victims of the most heinous offences and that the rule of law is upheld on a global scale.
Reflections from ICC leadership
On this significant day, ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane emphasised the Court’s critical mission: “On the Day of International Criminal Justice, it is important that we remember why the ICC was created and how essential it is that the Court be allowed to carry out its mandate fully, without external pressures. Through our work, we fight impunity for the most grievous crimes, and with every case we adjudicate, we take a step closer towards building a more just world. As an independent and impartial judicial body, the ICC plays a crucial role in strengthening the rule of law at the international level.”
ICC Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan KC highlighted the ongoing efforts and challenges faced by the Court: “The mission of my Office and the Court is to vindicate the promise of international humanitarian law that all lives have equal value, and that all those subjected to violations have the right to justice. The progress made in the past years is significant, yet our work is far from complete. My Office is committed to working with all of our partners to deliver more effectively on our mandate and make the protection of the Rome Statute a tangible reality for all.”
ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for continued support and commitment: “On the Day of International Criminal Justice, we both mark the steps taken towards developing a more just world, free from impunity for these most egregious crimes, as well as critically reaffirm the need for revitalisation of this common commitment to safeguard and protect the independent and impartial mandate of the International Criminal Court and its work in service of justice and victims.”
Commemorative events and activities
To mark the Day of International Criminal Justice, ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane and First-Vice President Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala are participating in various meetings and events at the United Nations headquarters in New York. These include the opening of the ICC exhibition “Common Bonds” and a high-level panel discussion hosted by the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute. These activities aim to strengthen support for the ICC, deepen public understanding of its mandate and processes, and reinforce the Rome Statute system as a whole.
Looking ahead
The Day of International Criminal Justice serves as a poignant reminder of the ICC’s vital role in the global justice system. It celebrates the progress made while acknowledging the work still required to ensure justice for all victims of the world’s most serious crimes. The ICC’s commitment to fighting impunity and upholding the principles of international humanitarian law continues to be a beacon of hope for a more just and peaceful world. As the international community commemorates this day, the shared resolve to support the ICC and its mission remains as crucial as ever.
