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Today, July 17th, 2024, the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities (AIPG) commemorates the Day of International Criminal Justice. On this occasion, we celebrate the 26th anniversary of the landmark Rome Statute, which established the world's first permanent international criminal court - the International Criminal Court (ICC).
A quarter of a century ago, the international community united behind a vision of ensuring accountability for the most egregious crimes that shock the conscience of humanity - genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. The Rome Statute provided the legal architecture to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate individuals responsible for these atrocities when states are unable or unwilling to do so themselves.
Since its entry into force in 2002, the ICC has made vital strides in combating impunity and delivering justice for victims across situations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. While challenges remain, the Court's pioneering work has curbed perpetrators, provided redress to the violated, and underscored that even the highest-level officials can face consequences for their criminal actions.
On this Day of International Criminal Justice, AIPG reaffirms its commitment to advancing robust international justice mechanisms as a cornerstone of atrocity prevention. By fostering collaboration and capacity among state actors, civil society, and ICC officials, our programs empower stakeholders to investigate and intervene effectively against mass atrocities.
We recognize that ending cycles of violence and achieving lasting peace depends on upholding accountability and human rights. The age of impunity must become antiquated. As we mark this milestone anniversary, the call for international criminal justice rings louder to protect human dignity worldwide.
AIPG honors all those dedicated to this noble cause - the prosecutors, analysts, lawyers, civil society groups, and survivors bravely obtaining justice and pursuing truth, even at significant personal risk. Their tireless efforts will echo through generations as a pivotal step in humanity's long march to prevent genocide and mass atrocities from recurring.
On this day, we rededicate ourselves to making "Never Again" a reality by strengthening the criminal justice system for atrocity crimes globally. The Rome Statute's vision must be perpetually renewed until its principles are universally realized.
