International Criminal Justice Day was adopted on 1 June 2010 by the States Parties to the International Criminal Court at the Review Conference to the Rome Statute.

In Kampala (Uganda), at the Review Conference of the Rome Statute held in 2010, States Parties to the International Criminal Court decided to start celebrating 17 July every year as the Day of International Criminal Justice. The date commemorates 17 July 1998, when the international community reached an historic milestone by adopting the Rome Statute, the legal basis for establishing the permanentInternational Criminal Court. The adoption of the Rome Statute was a momentous step towards ending impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of international concern – genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and aggression – which threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world. For several years civil society has commemorated this anniversary by leading International Justice Day celebrations.

International Criminal Justice Day is a day of celebration, reflection and action.

CELEBRATE the achievements in the field of international criminal justice.
REFLECT on the plight of the countless innocent civilians, millions of children, women and men who still continue to be the victims of unimaginable atrocities in different parts of the world.
ACT! Declare your support for the international criminal justice system. Tell your friends about it. Let this day inspire and reinvigorate us.

The international community is determined to fight against impunity, bring justice to victims and deter future atrocities. The success of the emerging system of international criminal justice, which aims to complement and reinforce national justice systems, depends on the vocal support of all those that believe in justice. Citizens around the world, students, teachers, professors, politicians, lawyers, non-governmental organizations and civil society in general, governments and international organizations are encouraged to make their voices heard. 

We invite all those who are committed to this vision of international justice to celebrate International Criminal Justice Day!

Whether you are looking to share the great event you have planned or are in need of inspiration, this page is for you. Don’t hesitate to get involved: ideas for individuals, ideas for groups, ideas for this year or next – we welcome them all. 

In the spirit of the conference in Rome and the Review Conference in Kampala, we encourage active and respectful discussion.