The International Criminal Court (ICC) is commemorating the 26th anniversary of the Rome Statute, its founding treaty, on July 17, 2024.
The Rome Statute established the ICC as the first permanent international criminal court, aiming to end impunity for perpetrators of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane emphasized the importance of the Court’s independence and impartiality in fighting impunity and building a more just world.
ICC Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan KC highlighted the progress made in vindicating the promise of international humanitarian law and the need for continued commitment to delivering justice.
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To mark the occasion, the ICC President and First-Vice President Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala will participate in events at the United Nations headquarters in New York, including an exhibition and a high-level panel discussion.
These activities aim to strengthen support for and deepen public understanding of the Court, its mandate, and processes.
The Rome Statute has been ratified by 124 countries, and the ICC has made significant progress in its mission to hold perpetrators accountable.
However, the Court’s work is far from complete, and it continues to face challenges in delivering justice and protecting victims’ rights.
As the ICC marks this important anniversary, it reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.