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CICC Tenth Anniversary

It was on 10 February 1995 when a small group of non-governmental organizations first met across the street from UN Headquarters in New York and decided to work together to promote the establishment of a fair, effective, and independent International Criminal Court (ICC). In the decade since this inaugural meeting, the commitment of and partnership among over 2,000 NGOs, like-minded governments and international organizations has been instrumental to the success of our work. Together, we have attained a remarkable goal, the establishment of the International Criminal Court, widely acclaimed to be one of the greatest advances in international law, with 100 States Parties and 50 more nations proceeding towards ratification and accession. It has been an extraordinary 10 years. The NGO Coalition for the ICC is honored to have contributed to this historic process.

The CICC’s 10th anniversary is an important opportunity not only to highlight the extraordinary achievements over the past ten years, but also to prepare for the next decade in which this partnership among NGOs, governments, the Court and the United Nations will be even more crucial for the ICC’s success. The Coalition for the ICC is committed to continuing our campaign in the next phase of the Court’s work, and looks forward to strengthening our close and constructive collaboration.

As part of our anniversary celebrations, the CICC is organizing a series of events, including academic seminars, the release of special publications and special anniversary receptions throughout the year, as noted below.

Message from the Convenor on the occasion of the CICC's 10th Anniversary

Commemorative Messages on the Tenth Anniversary of the CICC

Special Edition of the Insight on the ICC

The 10th anniversary edition of the ‘Insight on the ICC’ is a journey through the Coalition’s extraordinary past. From interviews with key visionaries present at the CICC’s founding meeting back in February 1995, to memories of the Rome Conference in 1998 and highlights of NGO involvement in the establishment of the Court; this special edition is a tribute to a decade of success.

The publications also celebrates the CICC’s global membership – which has increased a hundredfold since our creation. And, it looks back at the many dedicated staff who have worked at the Coalition’s Secretariat over the years.

Other features include celebratory reflections of CICC Convenor William Pace and excerpts of testimonials received from a number of distinguished partners in this, our anniversary year.

The 10th anniversary edition of the ‘Insight on the ICC’

Jesus Vicente Chamorro Award

In June 2005, the CICC was awarded the Jesus Vicente Chamorro Award from the Union of Progressive Public Prosecutors based in La Rioja, Spain. The award recognizes organizations that demonstrate a committment to building 'A More Just World'.

Message from the Convenor on the awarding of this honor and its coinciding with the CICC's tenth anniversary.


Conference: “The Road to the International Criminal Court: Facing the Challenges for its Success”

The European Union has been a leading supporter of the ICC. The Coalition’s 10th Anniversary provides an occasion to reflect on the progress made during the past decade, the means and synergies created as well as the last three years of the Court’s institutional building process. But, more importantly, it has been an opportunity to look ahead to the challenges that still need to be overcome, and discuss with EU officials about how to strengthen the fight against impunity

The CICC recently organized a public debate, hosted by the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights, which was open to Members of the European Parliament strongly committed to the promotion and the strengthening of international rule of law and international justice, and to officials coming from the other European Institutions, NGOs, governments, diplomats, international organizations, academia and media. Mr. Luis Moreno Ocampo, the ICC Prosecutor, gave the key note address. The event was held at the European Parliament and was followed by a reception with diplomats, MEPs, EU institution officials, NGO representatives, academics, and representatives of various international organizations based in Brussels.

For more information on this event, contact the CICC European Office at: [email protected] or by phone +32 2 5026215 or fax +32 2 5026238.

Address by Luis Moreno Ocampo at the New York City Bar Association

On 14 December 14 2005, the New York City Bar Association and the CICC co-hosted an address by the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno Ocampo, in honor of the Coalition’s tenth anniversary. The event took place in the Great Hall of the House of the New York City Bar Association on 44th Street in Manhattan and was attended by a wide array of international justice experts, governments, academics, lawyers, students, and fellow NGOs who were given the opportunity to question Mr. Ocampo following his address. Introduced by CICC Convenor William Pace and the Chair of the International Security Affairs Committee at the NY Bar Association, Ms. Nicole Deller, Mr. Ocampo’s address focused on the unique challenges of implementing international criminal justice as historic first ICC trials work their way forward at the Court.

For more information on this event, contact [email protected]