World Day for International Justice 2024: Know All About International Criminal Court (ICC)

The entire world unites to commemorate World Day for International Justice on July 17 every year. This day is an important reminder of the continuous struggle for international accountability and the dedication to maintaining the rule of law.

What is the History of World Day for International Justice?

World Day for International Justice coincides with the anniversary of the Rome Statute's adoption in 1998. This pivotal treaty established the International Criminal Court (ICC), the first permanent international tribunal dedicated to prosecuting individuals for the gravest international crimes – genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

The ICC mentions: “17 July is the Day of International Criminal Justice. It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998, the founding treaty of the ICC, which seeks to protect people from genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. 17 July unites all those who wish to support justice, promote victims' rights, and help prevent crimes that threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world.”

What is the International Criminal Court? 

The ICC was established as a permanent international tribunal to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. The Rome Statute, which came into force on July 1, 2002, provided the legal foundation for the court. The ICC is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, and operates independently from the United Nations.

Structure and Functioning of the ICC

The ICC is composed of four main organs:

• The Presidency: Responsible for the overall administration of the court, the Presidency ensures the efficient functioning of the court's activities.
• The Judicial Divisions: Divided into Pre-Trial, Trial, and Appeals Divisions, these are responsible for conducting judicial proceedings. Judges in these divisions are elected by the Assembly of States Parties.
• The Office of the Prosecutor: This organ conducts investigations and prosecutions of crimes within the court’s jurisdiction. The Prosecutor is elected by the Assembly of States Parties for a nine-year term.
• The Registry: Responsible for the non-judicial aspects of the administration and servicing of the court, including witness protection, defense counsel, and detention facilities.

Achievements and Challenges of ICC

Since its inception, the ICC has made significant strides in promoting international justice. It has issued numerous arrest warrants and conducted trials for individuals accused of severe human rights violations. 

However, the ICC faces numerous challenges. One major issue is the limited number of countries that have ratified the Rome Statute, with significant global powers such as the United States, China, and Russia remaining outside its jurisdiction. 

This limits the court’s ability to address crimes committed in or by these countries. Additionally, the ICC has been criticised for its perceived bias, with a majority of its cases originating from Africa.

The ICC mentions: “On 17 July 1998, a conference of 160 States adopted a treaty – known as the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court – establishing the International Criminal Court. The treaty entered into force on 1 July 2002. Among other things, the Rome Statute sets out the crimes falling within the jurisdiction of the ICC, the rules of procedure and the mechanisms for States to cooperate with the ICC. The countries which have accepted these rules are known as States Parties. Over 120 countries are States Parties to the Rome Statute, representing all regions: Africa, the Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as Western Europe and North America.”

World Day for International Justice 2024 serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for accountability and justice on a global scale. By understanding the crucial role of the ICC and taking action,  we can all contribute to a world where no one is above the law and victims of horrific crimes receive the justice they deserve.