July 22nd , 2023: What is the World Day for International Justice and why is it celebrated? What is the history behind it and the theme for 2023?
World Day for International Justice, also known as International Justice Day or Day of International Criminal Justice, is observed every year to recognize the importance of delivering justice promptly and fairly, especially in cases of human rights abuse and injustice.
Organizations like the International Criminal Court (ICC) work to ensure that victims of abuse, human rights violations, and terrorism receive the justice they deserve. This day celebrates the efforts and role played by the ICC in serving justice to those affected by grave crimes.
A bit more about the International Criminal Court (ICC)
As mentioned above, The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a special court that deals with very serious crimes that affect the entire world. It was established in 2002 to make sure that people who commit these crimes are held accountable for their actions.
The ICC is based in The Hague, Netherlands. It is not a part of the United Nations, but it cooperates closely with the UN and other international organizations.
Headquarters of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Picture source: wikipedia
The court is composed of four main organs: the Presidency, the Judicial Divisions, the Office of the Prosecutor, and the Registry.
The Presidency is responsible for the overall administration of the court, while the Judicial Divisions consist of judges who hear and decide on cases. The Office of the Prosecutor investigates and prosecutes cases, while the Registry provides support services to ensure the smooth functioning of the court.
In Picture: ICC Presidency elected for 2021-2024
Left to Right:
ICC First Vice-President Judge Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza (PERU)
ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmański (POLAND)
ICC Second Vice-President Judge Antoine Kesia-Mbe Mindua (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Prosecution: the act or process of holding a trial against a person who is accused of a crime to see if that person is guilty.
Before the ICC, there were many cases where people who committed terrible crimes, like genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, were not punished. The ICC was created to put an end to this and bring justice to those affected.
While not all countries are members of the ICC, it currently has 123 states parties, which include a significant number of countries from around the world. The court's jurisdiction extends to crimes committed within the territory of a state party or by nationals of a state party, as well as situations referred to the court by the UN Security Council.
Simply explained:
The ICC is like a global court because it can investigate and prosecute individuals from any country involved in these types of crimes. It is not controlled by any one country but operates independently, which means it can take action even if the country where the crime happened doesn't want to or can't do it themselves.
The ICC is made up of judges and prosecutors from different countries who work together to ensure that justice is served. They carefully examine evidence and listen to witnesses to determine if someone is guilty of committing these serious crimes. If someone is found guilty, the ICC can give them punishments like imprisonment.
The ICC plays an important role in promoting justice, accountability, and peace around the world. It helps to protect people from the most severe crimes and sends a message that these acts will not be tolerated.
Back to the article:
When is World Day for International Justice celebrated?
World Day for International Justice is observed on July 17 each year to honor the crucial role of the International Criminal Court and other organizations in delivering justice to victims of various crimes. It is a day dedicated to recognizing their efforts in seeking justice for those who have suffered from serious offenses.
July 17 is observed as the Day of International Criminal Justice. On this day in 1998, the Rome Statute was adopted, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC's mission is to safeguard people from grave crimes like genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.
This day brings together individuals who advocate for justice, support victims' rights, and work to prevent crimes that endanger global peace, security, and well-being.
Genocide- the deliberate and systematic destruction of a group of people because of their ethnicity, nationality, religion, or race.
Rome Statute- On July 17, 1998, representatives from 120 countries came together in Rome to create a special set of rules called the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. This established a permanent international court to deal with very serious crimes that happen in their countries or are committed by their citizens. This was the first time in history that countries agreed to have such a court to prosecute those responsible for the worst crimes. The court started working on July 1, 2002.
The word "statute" means a written law or set of rules that explains how something should be done. In this case, the Rome Statute is the set of rules that established the International Criminal Court.
What was the theme for World Day for International Justice 2023?
The theme for World Day for International Justice 2023 is "Overcoming Barriers and Unleashing Opportunities for Social Justice." This means finding ways to break down obstacles and create chances for fairness and equality in society.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said that being neutral in the face of injustice is like taking the side of the oppressor.
Why is the significance of this day?
The Day of International Criminal Justice is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of justice in serious crimes. It helps people understand the significance of fighting for justice, promoting human rights, and bringing those responsible for crimes like genocide and terrorism to prosecution. The day also sheds light on those who have been denied justice for a long time, aiming to create more public awareness and support for their cause.