Day of International Criminal Justice, (also known as International Justice Day or World Day for International Justice), is observed annually on 17 July to commemorate the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 1998.
- The day promotes accountability for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression.
- July 17, 2025 makrked the 27th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute.
Background:
i.The Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC, was adopted on 17 July 1998 during the United Nations Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries (UNDCP) held in Rome, Italy.
ii.The treaty, adopted by 120 countries, laid the legal foundation for the ICC and came into effect on 1 July 2002, officially making the Court operational.
- The ICC does not have the authority to investigate incidents that occurred prior to 1 July 2002.
iii.In 2010, during the first Review Conference of the Rome Statute held in Kampala, Uganda, 17 July was declared as the Day of International Criminal Justice to commemorate the adoption of the statute.
2025 Observances:
i.The ICC in The Hague(The Netherlands) and the United Nations (UN) in New York (the United States of America, USA) hosted ceremonies featuring survivors, judges, and officials.
ii.NGOs like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International launched digital campaigns using #JusticeDay2025 and share survivor testimonies
iii.Universities will hold panel discussions on emerging issues (e.g., climate-linked crimes).
iv.Film screenings, photo exhibitions, and art installations highlighting global justice efforts.
Purpose and Relevance in 2025:
i.Accountability: Ends impunity for perpetrators and upholds victims’ rights to truth, justice, and reparation.
ii.Global Challenges: Addresses ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Africa, reinforcing the ICC’s role in protecting civilians
iii.Rule of Law: Strengthens multilateral cooperation amid rising geopolitical tensions.
India’s Perspective on International Justice:
i.India has not ratified the Rome Statute and is therefore not a member of the International Criminal Court.
ii.India was actively involved in the drafting process of the Rome Statute but abstained from adopting it in 1998 due to concerns over national sovereignty and perceived United Nations Security Council (UNSC) influence.
About International Criminal Court (ICC):
As of January, 2025, there are 125 state parties that have ratified or acceded to Rome Statute of the ICC, some countries have signed but not ratified it.
- Ukraine becomes the 125th State Party on January 1, 2025.
President- Judge Tomoko Akane (Japan)
Headquarters- The Hague, The Netherlands
