The ICC Rome Statute is 20
Help us mark this milestone throughout 2018, and join us in building a #morejustworld.
Learn about the crimes codified in the Rome Statute and how it created the ICC and TFV. See how the ICC holds perpetrators accountable and has a direct impact on survivors' lives. Hear how #justicematters in the lives of thousands across the globe.
Opening of the ICC Judicial Year: ICC President’s speech
Opening of the ICC Judicial Year: President of Trinidad and Tobago’s speech
What is the Rome Statute and why is it important?
The Rome Statute is the ICC's founding treaty, supported by over 120 countries.
Through the Rome Statute, the ICC can give a voice and a face to countless victims, as well as a central place in the judicial proceeding.
The Rome Statute has set up the highest legal standards, the equality of arms, the impartiality of the judicial process, and created a basis for the model of civil administration in the service of fair and equitable justice.
It [the Rome Statute] has also established the
Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) with a two-fold mandate: (i) to implement Court-Ordered reparations and (ii) to provide physical and psychological rehabilitation, and material support to victim survivors, their families, and affected communities. The TFV assists survivors to begin the process of healing and rebuilding their lives, and provides the opportunity for them to be active participants in dialogues to promote reconciliation and peace-building.
How can we commemorate the Rome Statute’s 20th anniversary throughout 2018?
Watch this page for news, stories, events, exhibits, activities and actions you can take throughout the year. Share these pages with your networks and friends, and show support for survivors of some of the world’s most heinous crimes.
Save the date: 17 July, the Day of International Criminal Justice, is the Rome Statute’s official anniversary.
Stay connected via
Facebook,
Twitter,
YouTube,
Flickr and
Tumblr.
Background
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 2010 amendments and a vote in 2017 – 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.