Statement of the President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji, on the occasion of Human Rights Day 2020

"Today, the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or the "Court") joins people across the world in marking Human Rights Day, which commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's Human Rights Day theme 'Recover Better - Stand Up for Human Rights' stresses the central role of human rights in efforts to recover from the pandemic.

Regrettably, violations of human rights have continued and even exacerbated amidst the pandemic. This is all the more reason to redouble global efforts to protect human rights and build a better future, with more peace, justice and accountability. 

The ICC is making its own contributions to such efforts by working tirelessly every day to address and help prevent atrocious crimes. The ICC is the first permanent international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, namely war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression. These crimes almost invariably also represent or involve grave violations of human rights. The ICC works with States and others within the international community to make justice for victims possible and to deter would-be perpetrators from committing further crimes. Global support and concrete cooperation are needed to help us reach these aims. 

The Declaration of Human Rights states that 'recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.' Thus, by supporting these fundamental human rights, meant to give every human being a chance to reach their full potential, you, too, are helping to build a more just world. 

Once more, as we mark this Human Rights Day, I reiterate the International Criminal Court's commitment to helping re-building a world free of violence and conflicts, and with respect for human rights for all."

For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: [email protected]

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