Day of International Criminal Justice

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...

The International Day of Criminal Justice is a reminder for all states committed to fair and impartial justice for victims of the worst crimes around the world o urgently ensure continued support for the international justice system . The observance is also a reminder for the Court’s strongest advocates, civil society to stand firm in their original commitment in getting the ICC established, now to advance a Rome Statute system of international justice that works for all. "The strengthening of international criminal justice in the last 20 years, and especially the adoption of the Rome Statute and establishment of the new system of international criminal justice and this great Court, will be viewed as a revolutionary advance for peace and the rule of law,” William R. Pace, convenor of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court .