17 July is the Day of International Criminal Justice. It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998, the founding treaty of the ICC, which seeks to protect people from genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. 17 July unites all those who wish to support justice, promote victims' rights, and help prevent crimes that threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world.
The President of the Assembly of States Parties, Ambassador Päivi Kaukoranta, states on the Day of International Criminal Justice:
"International Criminal Justice is about upholding the rule of law over impunity, accountability over indifference, and cooperation over division. On this Day of International Criminal Justice, I pay tribute to all those who contribute to the Rome Statute system and reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the Assembly of States Parties to safeguard the independence, integrity and future of the International Criminal Court for the benefit of victims of mass atrocities of present and future generations.
It is imperative that we stand today together, address challenges and reinforce our support for the Court, its officials and on those who cooperate with it."
