On July 17 of every year, the International Criminal Court (ICC) observes World Day for International Justice, also known as International Justice Day or Day of International Criminal Justice, to commemorate its work and role in advancing justice.
The International Criminal Court (ICC)
International Criminal Court (ICC) is an important authority involved in World Day for International Justice. The Court analyses and charges individuals, governments and institutions with the most serious international crimes. These may include racial killings, crimes during wars, humanity offences, and the crime of aggression. ICC is not a substitute for national courts but is available when a country cannot perform investigations.
An international treaty called the Rome Statute, which is the world’s first permanent international criminal Court, governs the International Criminal Court. The same criminal Court stated that the Assembly of State Parties was the one to decide July 17 as the World Day for International Justice.
In the words of Martin Luther, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.
H.E. Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi, President of the Assembly of States Parties, remarked on this occasion:
“Today the world needs more justice than ever. The atrocities of the twentieth century that led to the creation of the Court have not ceased and there is a growing erosion of multilateralism and the rule of law,” she said.
She continued: “In July 1998, the Court was an idea yet to be realized. Twenty-five years after its creation, the hope is that more states will join this historical effort to maximize its potential to impart justice in our tumultuous world.”
Significance Of World International Justice Day
The day, celebrates efforts by individuals and groups to stop crimes like genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other major offences.
It also, encourages governments, civil society organisations, and individuals to work together in the pursuit of justice, accountability, and the promotion of a more just and peaceful world.
As at today, more than 139 countries have signed the treaty of ICC, and around 80 states representing different regions of the world have acknowledged it.
On the 2023 celebration, the United Nations on its twitter handle called for protection of the vulnerable
Therefore, Governments must take the initiative to address instances of injustice and human rights violations so that offenders will be held accountable, because, “Justice delayed is justice denied”.
