July 17 is Day of International Criminal Justice
Every year, on the 17th of July, we mark the anniversary of the Rome Statute adoption in 1998, as well as the creation of the International Criminal Court in the Hague, first and only permanent international court to prosecute individual for crimes of genocide, against humanity, war crimes and of aggression.
The International Criminal Court, established in 2002, is a permanent international tribunal based in The Hague, Netherlands. It serves as a critical institution for achieving justice by investigating and prosecuting individuals responsible for the most heinous crimes, such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of aggression. Its mandate is to ensure accountability and bring justice to victims who have suffered the gravest human rights violations.
The ICC operates under the principle of complementarity, which means it steps in only when national legal systems are unable or unwilling to prosecute those responsible for serious crimes. This principle acknowledges the primary role of national courts in delivering justice. However, when national courts are unable to provide a fair trial or if they lack the capacity to handle such cases, the ICC steps in to fill the gap.
The pursuit of justice is fundamental to the well-being of societies worldwide. It plays a crucial role in preventing the recurrence of atrocities, promoting reconciliation, and establishing the rule of law. Justice provides solace to victims and survivors, acknowledging their suffering and working to heal the wounds inflicted upon them.
In Ukraine and many other countries around the world, the fight against impunity remains a pressing challenge. By holding accountable those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, we can break the cycle of violence and build a foundation for a peaceful future.
Supporting the International Criminal Court and its efforts to deliver justice is crucial. Nations must cooperate with the ICC and honor their commitments to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the Court. Additionally, national legal systems should be strengthened to ensure they can effectively address serious crimes and protect human rights within their jurisdictions.
The Center for Civil Liberties, together with partners, is organizing the Ukrainian Week of International Criminal Justice – during which will be held 3 offline panel discussions in Ukrainian and 5 academic lectures in English. Bringing together prominent lawyers, researchers, experts, government officials and representatives of international and regional civil society organizations, the events held during this week reaffirm the importance of fighting impunity, in Ukraine and around the world. You can sign up for these conferences here.
Author: Katerina Sviderska, Université de Montréal, Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies, Chair of Ukrainian Studies
