Day of International Criminal Justice

In the face of unprecedented threats over the past year , international justice mechanisms have demonstrated resilience and resolve. Nonetheless, we remain deeply concerned about the continued erosion of accountability that jeopardizes victims’ rights and weakens the international rule of law. In many contexts, transitional justice efforts are being undermined or co-opted, failing to confront the root causes of violence or deliver redress to those most affected. We have witnessed selective responses driven by political interests, interference and attacks that threaten the independence, impartiality and effectiveness of judicial bodies. The absence of concrete and coordinated action to preserve the international justice system—often in defiance of States’ obligations under international law—has allowed atrocities to persist and escalate, causing devastating suffering for civilians. In this difficult context, it is even more inspiring to see the unwavering commitment of human rights d...

  On the 27th anniversary of the Rome Statute, the Global Initiative Against Impunity calls on States and international actors to reaffirm their commitment to inclusive, survivor-centered justice. In the face of mounting political pressure, systemic inequality, and selective accountability, we stand with survivors and civil society actors who continue to lead the charge against impunity—often at great personal risk. This year’s statement underscores the urgent need for coordinated, principled action to uphold the international justice system and ensure that all survivors of atrocity crimes can access their right to truth, justice, and reparation. 📄 Read the full statement here .

On the occasion of the Day of International Criminal Justice, the Principals of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), President Graciela Gatti Santana, Prosecutor Serge Brammertz and Registrar Abubacarr M. Tambadou, issued the following statement: On 17 July, as we commemorate International Justice Day and the adoption of the Rome Statute, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to uphold international criminal justice and to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. In a world witnessing a troubling rise in armed conflicts and violence, the opening words of the Rome Statute carry renewed urgency: “Conscious that all peoples are united by common bonds, their cultures pieced together in a shared heritage, and concerned that this delicate mosaic may be shattered at any time...” Indeed, our collective commitment to the fight against impunity is more important than ever. The challenges are serious, ...

  The Day of International Criminal Justice marks the anniversary of the entry in force of the Rome Statute by the Assembly of State Parties. The Rome Statute is transforming lives, and international law, by creating a path to justice where no other path exists. Join us in Building a more just world!

The “Global Initiative Against Impunity for international crimes: Making justice work” (GIAI) is a Consortium of eight international NGOs and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, co-funded by the European Union, which aims to contribute to the fight against impunity by supporting a comprehensive, integrated and inclusive approach to justice and accountability for serious human rights violations and international crimes. Driven by this commitment, the Global Initiative launches MakingJusticeWork.org, the GIAI Knowledge Management Platform, a digital platform designed to strengthen the work of key stakeholders and actors engaged in the fight for accountability. The platform serves as secure and user-friendly digital space that aims to reduce barriers to information, coordination, and engagement. It centralises vital legal resources, survivor testimonies, advocacy tools, and practice notes, all in an accessible, structured format. Civil society organisations, victims and su...

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) holds public hearings on the request for the indication of provisional measures filed by Equatorial Guinea in the case concerning Request relating to the Return of Property Confiscated in Criminal Proceedings (Equatorial Guinea v. France), on 15 July 2025. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the UN, holds public hearings on the request for the indication of provisional measures filed by Equatorial Guinea in the case concerning Request relating to the Return of Property Confiscated in Criminal Proceedings (Equatorial Guinea v. France) on Tuesday 15 July 2025, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the Court. Session held under the presidency of Judge Iwasawa Yuji, President of the Court. Oral arguments of Equatorial Guinea Related Sites and Documents:  See Press Release 2025/33 Watch THE HAGUE – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) holds public hearings in the case Equatorial Guinea v. France...