Day of International Criminal Justice

This day commemorates the adoption of the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court. The aims of the day is to recognize the importance of international criminal justice and to advocate for the rights of victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide . The celebration of the International Criminal Justice Day is an opportunity to  educate the public about the importance of international criminal justice and the role of the ICC . Organizations and individuals use the day to  call on states and international actors to strengthen international justice mechanisms and support victims' rights .There are opportunities to learn about the international criminal justice system and advocate for victims. Follow the Social media campaigns with the hashtags #DayForInternationalCriminalJustice. EVENT : On July 17th will be observed the International Criminal Justice Day 2025. Participants will mark the 27th anniversary of the Rome Statute , the trea...

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, ...

War crimes include grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions and other serious violations of the laws and customs applicable in international armed conflict and in conflicts not of an international character listed in the Rome Statute, when they are committed as part of a plan or policy or on a large scale. Specifically prohibited are murder, mutilation, torture, taking of hostages, acts of sexual violence, creating child soldiers, and attacks on civilians, hospitals, and houses of worship.

The International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over cases involving war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression. The ICC is separate from the United Nations, but the two organizations work closely together. Indeed, one way cases can end up before the ICC is when they are referred by the UN Security Council. Otherwise, cases must have taken place in the territory of a party state or committed by a national of a party state. Notably, except for the crime of aggression, the ICC can only prosecute individuals but not states or organizations. The Rome Statute also defines the procedures for investigations, prosecutions, and trials. However, the ICC only can hear cases if the crime was committed after July 1, 2002, when the Rome Statute came into effect. The Rome Statute also addresses issues such as admissibility and applicable law, trials, penalties, appeal and revision, international cooperation and judicial assistance, and enforcement. Regarding immunity, the ICC on...