17 July, Day of International Criminal Justice

The ICC's establishment can be considered a legacy of the Nuremberg Tribunal, which was founded 80 years ago to establish the accountability for the most serious crimes during World War II. The ICC has jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute individuals criminally when their own state is unwilling or unable to do so independently and impartially. Its jurisdiction is therefore complementary in nature.

The Rome Statute now has 125 State Parties, representing the majority of the international community. It was adopted based on the recognition that serious crimes threaten world peace, security and well-being, and are of concern to the international community as a whole. These crimes must therefore be investigated and punished, either through national measures or through international cooperation. Historical experience reminds us of the need to act effectively to establish accountability and prevent such threats.

As with all judicial institutions, it is crucial that the ICC acts in accordance with legal standards and in an independent, impartial and professional manner in all situations it deals with. In doing so, it strengthens the rule of law and promotes justice, which are vital for peace, security, reconciliation and prevention. Only in this way can the ICC fulfil its mandate and uphold the values enshrined in both the Rome Statute and the UN Charter. The cooperation of States Parties to the Rome Statute, other members of the international community, international organisations and civil society is essential to achieving the global goal of effectively combatting impunity for the most serious crimes and ensuring justice for victims.