Open day success: Nearly 500 people visit the ICC

Nearly five-hundred people visited on Sunday, 20 September, the International Criminal Court (ICC) when it opened its doors as part of the celebrations to mark this year’s international Day of Peace. In the course of the day, visitors attended briefings provided in different languages on the Court’s principles and its current work followed by question and answer sessions. Participants also had the opportunity to interact with ICC officials during guided tours that included a view of Courtroom I from the public gallery and the Court’s media centre.

The successful Open Day was prepared as part of the programme of activities organised by the Municipality of The Hague to celebrate the international Day of Peace, intended to draw to the attention of the public the efforts of those who work hard to end conflict and promote peace worldwide.

Visitors to the ICC consisted of men, women and children of different ages and nationalities, including Dutch nationals and members of the international community based in The Hague from Europe, Africa, Asia, North and Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Ms Silvana Arbia, the ICC Registrar, explained that, ”The Court has subscribed to the initiative of the Municipality of The Hague because it attaches great importance to enhancing public understanding of its mandate and work. Engaging Dutch and international communities is a way to increase awareness of and respect for the rule of law. The successful outcome of this event shows the importance of bringing the Court closer to the people”.

Other international organisations taking part in the days’ event included the Peace Palace, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and the European Patent Office (EPO) who also opened their doors. More than fifteen Hague-based international organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), such as Europol, Eurojust, the Hague Academic Coalition (HAC), the Organisation of the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO), C3 Agency (NC3A), the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and the Special Court for Sierra Leone also gave information during an ‘information market’ at the Spui Theatre. An additional ten NGOs based in The Hague also informed visitors about their work.

The international Day of Peace was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981. It is an annual day when individuals, communities, nations and governments worldwide highlight the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace.

For further information, please contact Ms Sonia Robla, Head of Public Information and Documentation Section at +31 (0)70 515 8089 or +31 (0) 6 46 44 87 26 or at [email protected]