The International Criminal Court (ICC) is marking 20 years to the day when the Rome Statute entered into force upon ratification by 60 states, officially creating the Hague-based body on July 1st 2002.
Marking the day, the President of the Court, Judge Piotr Hofmański stated that after two decades the world “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 encouraged all countries to join the ICC, to give victims everywhere access to justice, and to help protect humankind from atrocities.
The ICC’s Chief Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan QC said: “… this is also a moment to pause, to reflect and to try to refresh the process of international justice.”
He added: “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.”
According to the ICC Registrar Peter Lewis stated 20 years of operation has seen an ICC “busier than ever dealing with crimes that shock the conscience of the world”.
He said the achievements of the past two decades have been possible thanks to the support and cooperation of the state parties, international organisations, and civil society.
“As we face new challenges, that cooperation and support is more important than ever” he added.
The ICC, an intergovernmental body has been marking its 20th anniversary with a series of events including a conference at the World Forum in The Hague (The Netherlands), entitled “The ICC at 20: Reflections on the past, present and future.”
The events have attracted experts from international organizations and tribunals, bar associations, representatives of states, academia and of civil society.
Panellists have been discussing specific aspects of the ICC’s current operations, and areas in need of further development in the international criminal justice system going forward.
The ICC investigates and tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international justice system. when warranted.
One of the well-known cases before the ICC has been the one dealing with accusations of crimes against humanity in the Sudanese region of Darfur against former president Omar al-Bashir.
Although his first warrant of arrest was issued on 4 March 2009 and the second on 12 July 2010, Bashir is yet to be ushered before the court.
The case is still in its pre-trial stage until he is brought before the court which can only carry on with the case in the presence of the accused.
Several members of the ICC are African countries including the DR. Congo, Central African Republic, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Gabon and Djibouti among others.
WN/as/APA