International Justice Day

    A little more than two weeks ago, precisely on 17 July, all over the world celebrated justice. We all must fight for justice, because otherwise injustice and suffering can spread and reach you. This post is a summary of four articles. The first was published at   https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-day-for-international-justice-2020/. The second was published at https://www.india.com/festivals-events/world-day-for-international-justice-2020-history-and-significance-of-the-day-4087353/. The third was published at https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/07/17/celebrating-international-criminal-justice-day. The fourth was published at   https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/83002/day-international-criminal-justice-2020-fight-against-impunity-continues_en

          Every year on July 17, World Day for International Justice is observed all around the world. The aim of the day is to promote international criminal justice and as a way of supporting the work of the ICC. What is the ICC? ICC stands for the International Criminal Court. It came about when 120 states adopted a statute in Rome. It was known as the Rome Statute. All the countries that agreed to adopt the statute were accepting the jurisdiction of the ICC, with regards the prosecution of very serious crimes. The idea was not for the ICC to replace national courts. It is only able to intervene when a country can't or won't carry out investigations and prosecute. The aim of International Justice Day is to unite everyone who wants to support justice as well as promote victims rights. There are a number of different ways you can play a part. Why not write an article or a blog to highlight the need for justice where you live? You could send a communication to your local elected representative and voice your opinion. Speak to members of your government. 

           The date July 17 marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC, which seeks to protect people from crimes against humanity and others. This was in the year 1998. The day is celebrated to highlight the importance of the ICC and the work it does to bring about justice for the victims. This day calls on all countries to jion the fight against impunity, and to help prevent future occurrences of these crimes. 

            July 17 marks International Justice Day, This is a moment to reflect on the importance of obtaining justice for victims of serious international crimes. The ICC faces an unprecedented threat after the Trump administration set in place asset freezes and visa bans that could be used against ICC officials and others supporting the court. Robust member country support is needed to overcome this blatant attempt to obstruct justice. An ongoing review of the court's performance, as well as upcoming elections of the next prosecutor and several judges, have key roles to play in strengthening the court. but the past year also saw significant advances for justice worldwide. In November 2019, Gambia brought a case against Myanmar before the ICC, alleging Myanmar's campaign of atrocities against the Rohingya violated the Genocide Convention. In Germany, a landmark trial against former Syrian officials for widespread torture began in April, with crucial support from civil society organizations, Syrian lawyers and survivors. An increasing number of judicial authorities in Europe are investigating and prosecuting crimes committed in countries outside the ICC's reach. In June, the former leader of the "Janjaweed" militia in Sudan, known as Ali Kosheib, surrendered to the ICC with the cooperation of several member countries and U.N. peacekeeping forces. He is the first suspect in custody on charges of government-backed crimes in Darfur. At the ICC, judges authorized investigations in Afghanistan, including crimes by U.S. nationals. On July 14, a trial began against Al Hassan Ag Abdoal Azziz for alleged crimes in Mali. Despite a challenging global landscape, these strides towards accountability for crimes show that victims and their supporters are undeterred in their pursuit of justice.

               Since 17 July 1998, those who commit violations of human rights around the globe have no safe haven: they can run, but can't hide from international justice. That day, 22 years ago, 120 states adopted the Rome statute, the founding treaty of the international Criminal Court (ICC), which seeks to protect people from genocide, crimes against humanity, was crimes and the crime of aggression. On Day of International Justice, we mark the anniversary of a milestone for humankind that has made our planet a more just place where impunity is no longer tolerated. The E.U. reaffirms its longstanding support towards the ICC system and in particular its unwavering commitment to the ICC, as part of the E.U's wider commitment to a rules-based international order. International criminal justice is a key tool to build a future free of violence, as it contribute to long-term peace, stability and equitable development in post-conflict societies. Currently, the ICC holds 13 situations under investigations in the following countries: Congo, Uganda, Sudan, Central African Republic, Kenya, Libya, Côte d'Ivore, Mali, Georgia, Burundi, Bangladesh/Myanmar, Afghanistan. Each year the EU contributes to the promotion of international criminal justice with over 38 millions Euros since 2014. Worldwide, the EU contributes to wider justice sector reforms through programmes aimed at complementing and reinforcing national justice systems. and will continue engaging in efforts to support human rights workers, lawyers, prosecutors and all contributors to the international justice system who relentlessly work to bring justice and protect human rights.