Today, 6 July 2012, the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) held an event and symbolic flag-raising ceremony, calling other parties to join in celebrations of 17 July, International Criminal Justice Day.
 |
| H.E. Mr Jean- Marc Hoscheit, Ambassador of Luxembourg © ICC-CPI |
The event opened with a speech by the Ambassador of Luxembourg, H.E. Mr Jean-Marc Hoscheit, representing the States Parties to the Rome Statute. The Ambassador encouraged States Parties and other actors to participate in commemorating International Criminal Justice Day, as an important occasion that is both inextricably linked to the Court's anniversary on 1 July, as well as "an opportune moment for all actors to renew their commitment to the cause of eradicating from our shared earth the scourge of these serious crimes that shake the conscience of mankind, and for ensuring justice for the victims of these crimes".
 |
| Judge Sang-Hyun Song, President of the ICC © ICC-CPI |
The ICC President, Judge Sang-Hyun Song, then spoke of the spirit of solidarity of the 17 July celebrations. “While we celebrate the achievements of the ICC community to date, we should not forget the unimaginable atrocities that continue around the world. In solidarity, we must recognize the obstacles that remain on the path toward ending impunity, and redouble our commitment to further strengthen the Rome Statute system. We must not let down the countless victims around the world that place their hope in this institution. With joint efforts and determination, we may move closer to fulfilling our ultimate goal, preventing terrible suffering before it takes place”.
Participants then proceeded outside for a symbolic flag-raising ceremony, during which the ICC flag and an International Criminal Justice Day banner were raised. Similar banners will be displayed throughout the city of The Hague in the days leading up to 17 July, in a call for joint celebration and action in support of international justice.
Background
17 July is the Day of International Criminal Justice. The date of 17 July was adopted by the Assembly of the States Parties during the Review Conference of the Rome Statute held in Kampala (Uganda) last year in June and marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC.
The day commemorates the landmark steps that the international community is taking to reach to common goal of global justice, and an opportunity for those who support justice around the world to make their voices heard. We hope you will join us in commemorating this day.
Speech by the Ambassador of Luxembourg, H.E. Mr Jean-Marc Hoscheit
Speech by the President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Sang-Hyun Song
For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: [email protected].
You can also follow the Court’s activities on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.