THE HAGUE, Netherlands, July 1, 2022/ — On 1 July 2022, the International Criminal Court (ICC) marks its 20th anniversary. On this day in 2002, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court entered into force upon ratification by 60 States, officially creating the ICC.
Marking the day, the President of the Court, Judge Piotr Hofmański stated: “On the 20th anniversary of the ICC, we can celebrate the fact that we have a permanent, independent international court dedicated to the fight against impunity for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.” He continued: “I invite all States to join the ICC, to give victims everywhere access to justice, and to help protect humankind from atrocities.”
ICC Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan QC said: “Twenty years ago today, the Rome Statute came into force. It was a tremendous achievement… but this is also a moment to pause, to reflect and to try to refresh the process of international justice.” He continued, “We must all try to do better and to rededicate ourselves to these principles of justice which are owned by all humanity. If we work in a collective manner, I am confident that international justice can accelerate and advance and have the required impact. The prayer must also be that, in twenty years to come, many may see a world better, safer and most just than it is for so many of our fellow brothers and sisters today.”
ICC Registrar Peter Lewis stated: “After 20 years of operation, the Court is busier than ever dealing with crimes that shock the conscience of the world. All we have achieved in the last two decades has only been possible because of the support and cooperation of our States Parties, international organisations, and civil society. As we face new challenges, that cooperation and support is more important than ever.”
ICC conference
Today, the International Criminal Court will be marking its 20th anniversary by hosting a conference at the World Forum in The Hague (The Netherlands), entitled “The ICC at 20: Reflections on the past, present and future (https://bit.ly/3R5ls5l).”
Bringing together experts from international organizations and tribunals, bar associations, representatives of States, academia and of civil society, the conference panellists are to discuss the Court’s achievements in its first two decades, specific aspects of the ICC’s current operations, and areas in need of further development in the international criminal justice system going forward.
