The fight against impunity continues
By supporting the Court, the countries that have joined the Rome Statute system have taken a stand against those who, in the past, would have had no one to answer to after committing widespread, systematic international crimes. The ICC calls on all countries to join the fight against impunity, so that perpetrators of such crimes are punished, and to help prevent future occurrences of these crimes
Facts and Figures
Today the Court has:
There have thus far been 27 cases before the Court, with some cases having more than one suspect.
ICC judges have issued 34 arrest warrants. Thanks to cooperation from States, 16 people have been detained in the ICC detention centre and have appeared before the Court. 15 people remain at large. Charges have been dropped against 3 people due to their deaths.
ICC judges have also issued 9 summonses to appear.
The judges have issued 9 convictions and 4 acquittals.
History
17 July 1998
Rome Statute adopted by 120 States
1 July 2002
Rome Statute ratified by 60 States
Rome Statute took effect upon ratification by 60 States, officially establishing the ICC. Since it has no retroactive jurisdiction, the ICC deals with crimes committed on or after this date.
Founding treaty: The Rome Statute
The creation of the Rome Statute in 1998 was in itself a historic event, marking a milestone in humankind's efforts towards a more just world.
The Rome Statute then took effect in 2002, upon ratification by 60 States. In addition to founding the Court and defining the crimes of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and – as of amendments made in 2010 – the crime of aggression, the Rome Statute also sets new standards for victims' representation in the Courtroom, and ensures fair trials and the rights of the defence. The Court seeks global cooperation to protect all people from the crimes codified in the Rome Statute.
Today the treaty serves as the ICC's guiding legal instrument, which is elaborated in such other legal texts as the Elements of Crimes, Rules of Procedure and Evidence and more. See all
ICC core legal texts.