There are numerous efforts at both local and global levels aimed at ensuring peace and justice worldwide. However, ongoing conflicts and threats, such as the recent Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Darfur crisis in Sudan, the genocide of the Uyghurs in China, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, continue to hinder these efforts. July 17 serves as a reminder to support justice, promote the rights of victims, and help prevent crimes that threaten global peace, security, and well-being.

History of World Day for International Justice

On July 17, 1998, representatives from 120 countries gathered in Rome to adopt the Rome Statute, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC officially began operations on July 1, 2002, with its headquarters located in The Hague, Netherlands. The World Day for International Justice was first observed in 2003 and was officially recognized during the Kampala Review Conference in 2010. As of January 2025, 125 states were parties to the statute.

Key Objectives

Key objectives for celebrating World Day for International Justice include:

• Promote International Justice: This day aims to raise awareness about international justice systems and the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in holding perpetrators accountable.
• Support Victims' Rights: World Day for International Justice emphasizes the importance of justice and support for victims of mass atrocities.
• Strengthen Global Cooperation: The day encourages nations to collaborate in prosecuting serious international crimes and upholding the rule of law.
• To increase awareness of victims’ rights and the significance of seeking legal redress.

Significance of Celebrating World Day for International Justice

The World Day for International Justice is significant for several reasons:

• Accountability: This day highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for international crimes, ensuring that no one is above the law.
• Universal Jurisdiction: It promotes the concept that serious crimes should be addressed globally, allowing countries to prosecute offenders regardless of where the crime was committed.
• Awareness and Education: The day serves as an educational platform to raise awareness about international law, human rights, and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The theme for the 2025 World Day for International Justice is "Justice Beyond Borders: Uniting Voices for Peace and Accountability." This theme highlights the importance of global cooperation in defending justice across political, cultural, and geographic boundaries. It also underscores the necessity of collective action to ensure justice and accountability for victims around the world. The World Day for International Justice is a global movement focused on justice, equality, and peace. It emphasizes our shared responsibility to promote accountability and fairness worldwide.

REFERENCE

Information from https://asp.icc-cpi.int/asp events/ICJD/default#:~:text=17%20July%20is%20the%20Day,and%20the%20crime%20of%20aggression, today.infodatanews.com, and https://pwonlyias.com/world-day-for-international-justice-2025/ was used in this story