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World Day for International Justice 2025 will be observed on July 17 to mark the adoption of the Rome Statute and the founding of the International Criminal Court (ICC). It promotes global justice, human rights, and accountability for serious crimes.
PWOnlyIAS
July 08, 2025
World Day for International Justice is commemorated on July 17 to mark a key moment in the global pursuit of justice: the adoption of the Rome Statute in 1998. This landmark treaty led to the creation of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the world’s first permanent court established to prosecute individuals responsible for the gravest crimes known to humanity.
As we approach World Day for International Justice 2025, the global community is once again reminded of the fundamental importance of justice, the rule of law, and the protection of human dignity in an increasingly complex international landscape.
List Of International National Days 2025 Month-Wise List
World Day for International Justice is a day of observance that commemorates the establishment of the ICC and reaffirms the international community’s commitment to ending impunity for perpetrators of the most serious crimes under international law. Celebrated every year on July 17, this day is an opportunity to reflect on global progress, discuss emerging challenges, and advocate for stronger international legal frameworks.
The core aim is to highlight the role of international justice in maintaining global peace and security, and to honour the victims of crimes that threaten the moral and legal fabric of humanity.
| World Day for International Justice | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Event Name | World Day for International Justice 2025 |
| Date | July 17, 2025 (Thursday) |
| Purpose | To promote international criminal justice and support the work of the ICC |
| Established By | Rome Statute, adopted on July 17, 1998 |
| First Observed | 2003 |
| Theme | Not officially announced |
| Significance | Marks the founding of the International Criminal Court |
| Main Organizer | International Criminal Court (ICC) |
| ICC Headquarters | The Hague, Netherlands |
| Number of ICC Member States (2025) | 125 |
| ICC Key Focus | Prosecution of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, aggression |
| How to Observe | Raise awareness, support victims, advocate for justice, participate in events |
| Impact Areas | Human rights, global peace, rule of law, victim protection |
World Day for International Justice 2025 will be observed on Thursday, July 17, 2025. This date marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute in 1998, which laid the foundation for the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The day serves as a global reminder of the ongoing fight against impunity and the shared responsibility to uphold justice, protect human rights, and ensure accountability for international crimes.
World Day for International Justice traces its roots to July 17, 1998, when 120 countries came together in Rome to adopt the Rome Statute, thereby founding the ICC. The Court officially began operations on July 1, 2002, with its headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands. The day was first observed in 2003 and was officially declared during the Kampala Review Conference in 2010.
Source: ICC
The observance plays a vital role in raising awareness about the ICC’s work and urging states to uphold international justice mechanisms, even in the face of political complexities.
As of now, the World Day for International Justice 2025 theme has not been officially announced. However, the campaign is expected to focus on global accountability in the digital age, addressing emerging challenges such as cyber warfare, environmental crimes, and transnational terrorism.
The theme will likely highlight the need for cooperation between states, civil society, and legal institutions to ensure that justice remains relevant and effective in our rapidly changing world.
The World Day for International Justice is celebrated to:
By recognising this day, the world unites in its ongoing fight against impunity and emphasises the principle that no individual—regardless of power or position—is above the law.
The International Criminal Court is the primary institution responsible for enforcing international criminal justice. It is governed by the Rome Statute and currently has 125 member states. The ICC prosecutes individuals for:
The court works on the principle of complementarity, intervening only when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute these crimes. Over the years, it has handled 33 cases, issued 61 arrest warrants, and secured 11 convictions.
Since its inception, the ICC has investigated atrocities in countries like Sudan, Libya, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Palestine. Notable prosecutions include:
| International Criminal Court (ICC) Cases | ||||
| Case/Investigation | Country/Region | Key Accused | Crime Type | Status/Outcome |
| Thomas Lubanga Dyilo | Democratic Republic of the Congo | Thomas Lubanga | Recruitment of child soldiers | Convicted (2012) – 14 years’ imprisonment |
| Omar al-Bashir | Sudan (Darfur) | Former Sudanese President | Genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity | Warrant issued (2009) – Not arrested |
| Dominic Ongwen | Uganda (LRA) | LRA Commander | War crimes, crimes against humanity | Convicted (2021) – 25 years’ imprisonment |
| Laurent Gbagbo & Charles Blé Goudé | Côte d’Ivoire | Ex-President and ally | Crimes against humanity | Acquitted (2021) |
| Uhuru Kenyatta & William Ruto | Kenya | President and Deputy President | Crimes against humanity (post-election violence) | Charges dropped (2015) due to lack of evidence |
| Saif al-Islam Gaddafi | Libya | Son of Muammar Gaddafi | Crimes against humanity | Warrant outstanding – Not surrendered |
| Situation in Myanmar (Rohingya crisis) | Myanmar/Bangladesh | Senior military officials | Crimes against humanity | Investigation ongoing (since 2019) |
| Vladimir Putin | Russia/Ukraine | President of Russia | War crimes (deportation of children) | Warrant issued (2023) – Not arrested |
| Benjamin Netanyahu & Yoav Gallant | Israel (Gaza conflict) | PM and Defence Minister | War crimes, crimes against humanity | Warrants issued (2024) – Not enforced |
| Mohammed Deif, Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh | Hamas (Gaza conflict) | Hamas leaders | War crimes, crimes against humanity | Warrants issued (2024–2025) – Some deceased, others evading |
These cases demonstrate the unprecedented reach and resolve of the ICC in ensuring that even powerful political figures can be held accountable.
World Day for International Justice 2025 provides a global platform for individuals, institutions, and governments to reaffirm their commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law.
By actively participating in this observance, people can help raise awareness about international criminal justice and support the mission of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Here are some meaningful ways to take part:
The World Day for International Justice 2025 is not merely a symbolic observance but a powerful reminder of the world’s shared responsibility to uphold the rule of law. As the International Criminal Court continues its mission to deter impunity and deliver justice, this day offers an opportunity for all citizens, states, and organisations to stand united in the pursuit of justice and peace.
As conflicts evolve and new threats emerge, international justice remains a cornerstone for global stability. The World Day for International Justice serves as a rallying point to reaffirm that justice is not only necessary but achievable through cooperation, courage, and collective action.
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