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International Justice Day: Latest Statements, News and Resources

19 July 2011

Dear all,

On Sunday, 17 July 2011, the world celebrated International Justice Day (IJD) in honor of the thirteenth anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

On this date 13 years ago, with the overwhelming support of 120 nations, the Rome Statute was adopted, leading to the creation of the world's first permanent international court to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

As it has been the case for many years, the Coalition commemorated this day in solidarity with victims of crimes against humanity, genocide and war crimes through a number of worldwide events.

This message includes links to statements from the Coalition and other officials (I), op-eds written by Coalition members (II), as well as other news, opinions and audiovisual resources (III) regarding IJD.

For more information on IJD visit:
http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/?mod=rome

Regards,
CICC Secretariat
www.coalitionfortheicc.org

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I. INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE DAY MEDIA STATEMENTS

A. COALITION MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

1. “NPWJ celebrates International Justice Day with partners around the world”, No Peace Without Justice Press Release, 17 July 2011, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/NPWJ_PR_InternationalJusticeDay_17July2011.pdf

“...We take this opportunity to congratulate the international community, the States Parties to the ICC, as well as the large number of States, governmental, inter-governmental and non-governmental organisations and individuals who have contributed to the strengthening of the international criminal justice system throughout the years...."

2. “Celebration of the 13th anniversary of International Justice Day,” Central African Republic Coalition for the ICC (CCCPI), 17 July 2011, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/CCPICommuniqueIJD.pdf (In French)

“… Today, International Criminal Justice constitutes a fundamental instrument in the fight against impunity worldwide and in Central African Republic in particular [...]. The high and increasing number of victims allowed to participate in the Bemba proceedings is eloquent. The Central African population in general and the victims in particular have great hope that Justice is finally done. The CCCPI is delighted by the good progress of this trial and encourages the Court to continue its efforts in this direction. Lastly, it supports cooperation efforts of the Central African State with the ICC…."

3. “Press release on International Justice Day” (“Communiqué de presse à l’occasion de la journée de la justice internationale), LADH, 18 July 2011, http://www.iccnow.org/documents/LADH_journee_de_la_justice_penale_internationale.pdf  (In French)

“…Peoples worldwide aspire to peace and justice, as well as to the respect of the rule of law and human dignity. The ICC represents a community of nations sharing values and objectives aiming to ensure a more serene future for children, women and men throughout the world. Like all those working in favour of the ICC, the LADH is proud to participate in the movement in favour of international justice. [We] urge the Algerian government to join this common cause. [We] call upon the Algerian State to recognize that justice is an essential component of peace processes, and that the prosecution of people responsible for the most serious crimes should never be compromised in favor of the search for peace…."

4. “Message of the Coalition of DRC for the ICC on 17 July 2011” CN-CPI/RDC, 17 July 2011,http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/message_de_la_Coalition_de_la_RDC_pour_la_CPI_le_17_jullet_2011[1].pd  (In French)

" …The Coalition notes that the DRC should celebrate this day in particular. “Not only because it belongs to the first States parties to the Rome Statute, explained Mr. Kazadi, but also because it has shown an exemplary cooperation which was however stopped subsequently. The Coalition wishes to see this cooperation continue with the arrest and surrender of Bosco Ntaganda to the Court”…."

5. International Justice Day-2011: FOHRID Urges Government of Nepal to ratify the Rome Statute of ICC, 17 July 2011, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/International_Justice_Day-2011.pdf

“...International Justice Day is a reminder of the urgency for all States committed to ensure continued support for the Rome Statute’s international justice system. On IJD, FOHRID Human Rights and Democratic Forum urges Nepal to reaffirm its commitment to end the culture of impunity and take necessary steps to ratify / accede to the Rome Statute of ICC...."

6. “Statement on International Justice Day’, ODHIKAR, 18 July 2011, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Statement_IJD_Odhikar.pdf

“...On this day, Odhikar reflects on the suffering of millions of children, women and men who were victimised and waited for justice, including victims of international crimes committed in Bangladesh during 1971 irrespective of their ethnic, cultural, religious or political ideology and resolve to keep up working for justice...."

7. “International Criminal Court: Step in the right direction, but swift action needed,” Malaysian Bar, 17 July 2011, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Malaysia_Bar_Council_press_statement_IJD_2011.pdf

“...This year’s International Justice Day is especially meaningful to the Malaysian Bar, as the Malaysian Government had announced, in March, its intention to ratify the Rome Statute. The Malaysian Bar reiterates that it applauds this pledge, and urges that the Government play its role in promoting international peace and stability by ratifying the instrument without further hesitation....”

8. “Afghanistan Awaiting Justice,” Afghanistan Watch, 17 July 2011, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/Afghanistan_Awaiting_Justice-IJD_2011.pdf

“...On this very important day, Afghanistan Watch also urges the Afghan State to reassure it is committed to a universal campaign to end impunity for some of the most atrocious crimes by fulfilling its obligations as a member state to the ICC. The organization urges the international community and the UN to work with the Afghan State to ensure that Afghanistan, as a country under preliminary investigation, is ready to fulfill its commitments and obligations. These include the long awaited task of bringing Afghanistan’s national judicial system into conformity with ICC standards and requirements...."

9. “International Criminal Justice, an ideal under construction,” ASF, 17 July 2011, http://www.asf.be/en/international-criminal-justice-ideal-under-construction

“...it is indispensable that States Parties and the NGOs continue to contribute to the development of the ICC, follow up on the activities of the court with a critical eye. It is equally important to support and encourage domestic investigations and prosecutions of serious human rights given that States bear the primary responsibility for the prosecution of such crimes...."

10. “International Justice Day: Celebrating the 13th Anniverasary of a New International Justice System,” Citizens for Global Solutions, The Global Citizen, 15 July 2011, http://globalsolutions.org/blog/2011/07/international-justice-day-celebrating-13th-anniverasary-new-international-justice-syste

“... “Nations that reject the responsibility to arrest accused criminals in their midst are delaying justice for victims of heinous crimes. We urge all states to assist in the capture of suspected war criminals, so that victims can get their day in court and begin the healing process. International cooperation is essential to resolve global challenges, building a safer, more secure world.”...”

11. " Press note celebrating the International Justice Day", Dominican Coalition for the ICC, 14 July 2011, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/IJDay_2011-_Republica_Dominicana_y_la_CPI.pdf

"...The President of the Federalist Foundation and Convenor of the Dominican Republic Coalition for the International Criminal Court declared to the media that the authorities of the Dominican Republic must take the opportunity of the International Justice Day celebration to initiate a process of dissemination of information regarding the International Criminal Court for citizens [...] The President of the Federalist Foundation and Convenor of the Dominican Republic Coalition for the International Criminal Court, also stated that the current challenge of the Dominican Republic is the urgency for the National Congress to address the adoption of the New Dominican Penal Code, which will punish the crimes under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court such as war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity…."


 B. OTHER STATEMENTS

12. “Statement of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on International Criminal Justice Day,” United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, 17 July 2011, http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11248

“As the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, I join the world today in commemorating International Criminal Justice Day. It is the day on which we all remind ourselves, every year, of the pledge we made in Rome on 17 July 1998, to put an end to impunity for grave international crimes that invariably come in the manner of human rights violations that shock the conscience of humanity […] Yet, while we celebrate these elements of progress in international criminal justice, current events around the world sadly compel a sense of enduring grave concern for the condition of human rights in our time. In places like Libya, Syria, Myanmar, Yemen, Bahrain and many others, we are starkly reminded of the hard work that lies ahead for all who so deeply desire a world in without impunity for gross human rights violations. I therefore call upon the international community to redouble their efforts to bring to account all those implicated in gross human rights violations….”

13.  “Polish Presidency - Foreign Minister Statement on IJD,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs Poland, 17 July 2011, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/documents/ICC_STATEMENT_COLOR_Scan_scan_20110708115600_from_plwar-mfd037_1.pdf

“...Today Poland joins other countries in celebrating the Day of International Criminal Justice. We remain confident that the family of democracies, sharing the same values and ideals, is ready to look for new ways to strenghten the international criminal justice system and the Court."

14. “Foreign Secretary marks International Criminal Justice Day,” United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 17 July 2011, http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/news/latest-news/?view=News&id=631881982

“...“I welcome the establishment of International Criminal Justice Day. This is an important moment to remember those who are still seeking justice for appalling crimes, including crimes against humanity, and the many dedicated and courageous individuals who work in the field of international justice. The UK has played an important role in the development of international humanitarian law and the International Criminal Court, and is the only country currently engaged in all six existing criminal tribunals. “The UK will continue to be a staunch advocate of justice for the victims of international atrocities and to the ending of impunity for those who perpetrate such crimes.”...”

15. “ICC President’s Message - Day of International Criminal Justice,” ICC, 15 July 2011, http://www.icc-cpi.int/NR/exeres/D8E48C1D-172C-45BE-9D3C-F50926BDD755.htm

“...Everywhere, people want peace, justice, rule of law and respect for human dignity. The ICC represents the gathering of nations in a community of values and aspirations for a more secure future for children, women and men around the world. Let us remember our spirit of solidarity while we celebrate our achievements. Let us remind ourselves that while much progress has been achieved, the road ahead remains long and demanding.  We must be united in our resolve to defeat impunity and the lawlessness, brutality and disdain for human dignity that it represents. We must persevere. In the name of all people working for the International Criminal Court, I am proud to be part of the global justice movement. I call on States and people everywhere to join this common cause."

16. “MFA welcomes International Criminal Justice Day,” Romania Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 15 July 2011, http://www.mae.ro/en/node/9791

“...The International Criminal Justice Day, celebrated in 2011 for the first time, is the best occasion for shining the spotlight on the international community’s commitment to support the work of the International Criminal Court to help develop international criminal law..."

17. “International justice grows,” Sang-Hyun Song, Mail & Guardian, 15 July 2011, http://mg.co.za/article/2011-07-15-international-justice-grows

“...Let us cherish our spirit of solidarity while we commemorate 17 July. Let us show our compassion for all the innocent civilians who continue to fall victim to unimaginable crimes. Let us state loudly and clearly that mass crimes such as mass murder, rape, torture and the use of child soldiers cannot and will not be tolerated. The perpetrators of such crimes must be held accountable, regardless of their official position..."

II. COALITION MEMBERS OP-EDS

1. “Importance of accession to the Rome Statute of ICC by Nepal,” Raj Kumar Siwakoti (FOHRID), Telegraph Nepal, 17 July 2011, http://www.telegraphnepal.com/views/2011-07-17/importance-of-accession-to-the-rome-statute-of-icc-by-nepal
2. “International justice system blossoms,” David Tolbert (ICTJ), Al Jazeera, 17 July 2011, http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/07/20117177959113885.html
3. “13 Years of International Justice,” Juliette Rousselot, Human Rights Now (Amnesty International USA), 17 July 2011, http://blog.amnestyusa.org/justice/13-years-of-the-international-criminal-court/
4. “Hand of international justice will punish dictators,” David Tolbert (ICTJ), IJ Central, 16 July 2011, http://ijcentral.org/news/hand_of_international_justice_will_punish_dictators/
5. “Do what is right for victims of post-poll violence victims,” Stella Ndirangu and Rosemary Nyambura, Daily Nation, 16 July 2011, http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/Opinion/Do+what+is+right+for+victims+of++post+poll+violence+victims+/-/440808/1202284/-/item/0/-/6piy6vz/-/index.html
6. “International Justice Day is worth celebrating,” Ronald B. Davis (Citizens for Global Solutions), Bangor Daily News, 15 July 2011, http://bangordailynews.com/2011/07/15/opinion/contributors/international-justice-day-is-worth-celebrating/
7. “Kwoyelo case: Apply international fair trial principles,” Sharon Nakandha   (ASF-Uganda), Daily Monitor, 18 July 2011, http://www.monitor.co.ug/OpEd/Commentary/-/689364/1202972/-/12tcebkz/-/

III. RELATED NEWS AND OPINIONS

A. COALITION QUOTED

1. “Ratify Rome Statute,” The Himalayan Times, 18 July 2011, http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Ratify+Rome+Statute&NewsID=295947
2. “Celebrating international criminal justice,” Sandra Guy, UN News & Media, 17 July 2011, http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/english/2011/07/celebrating-international-criminal-justice/
3. “Rights activists demand ratification of Rome Statute,” Nepal News, 17 July 2011, http://www.nepalnews.com/home/index.php/news/19/11841-rights-activists-demand-ratification-of-rome-statute-.html
4. “Victims prevented from participation at ICC,” International Justice Desk, RNW, 15 July 2011, http://www.rnw.nl/international-justice/article/victims-prevented-participation-icc
5. “International Justice Day: Monitoring the Process,” Taegin Stevenson, Open Society Blog, 15 July 2011, http://blog.soros.org/2011/07/international-justice-day-monitoring-the-process/
6. “International Criminal Justice Day - why celebrate?,” Geraldine Coughlan, RNW, 15 July 2011, http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/international-criminal-justice-day-why-celebrate
7. “Exclusive: ICC is worst justice say key US rights, justice leaders,” Deborah Dupre, Human Rights Monitor, 14 July 2011, http://www.examiner.com/human-rights-in-national/us-rights-justice-leaders-icc-is-worst-justice
8. “Coalition for the International Criminal Court Convenes Session Marking World Day for International Justice,” Richard Jordan, South-South News, 17 July 2011, http://www.southsouthnews.com/pages/NewsDetails.aspx?NewsId=2cdc66a8-40e7-4edb-a220-beeb36977a35
9. “CICC convener holds live blogging session,” Deea Ariana, Daily News Egypt, 17 July 2011, http://www.thedailynewsegypt.com/media/cicc-convener-holds-live-blogging-session.html
10. “International Criminal Court Helps Deter Future Atrocities,” News Blaze, 16 July 2011, http://newsblaze.com/story/20110716135447zzzz.nb/topstory.html
11. “Ensuring justice through ICC can help deter future atrocities, says UN official,” UN News Centre, 15 July 2011, http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=39060&Cr=international+criminal+court&Cr1
12. “Leaders criticise ICC laws,” Moses Akena and Sam Owino, The Monitor, 15 July 2011, http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/-/688334/1201404/-/bl6o5hz/-/index.html

B. NEWS AND OPINIONS

1. “Pemerintah Didesak Ratifikasi Statuta Roma (Government Urged to Ratify Rome Statute),” Suara Karya Online, 18 July 2011, http://www.suarakarya-online.com/news.html?id=283016  (In Indonesian) 2. “Swiftly ratify Rome Statute: Bar Council,” The Sun, 18 July 2011, http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/legal/general_news/swiftly_ratify_rome_statute_bar_council.html
3.  “Indonesia Didesak Ratifikasi Mahkamah Pidana Internasional (Indonesia Urged to Ratify International Criminal Court),” Laporan Wartawan, TRIBUNnews.com, 17 July 2011, http://www.tribunnews.com/2011/07/17/indonesia-didesak-ratifikasi-mahkamah-pidana-internasional  (In Indonesian) 4.  “Pemerintah Diminta Segera Ratifikasi Statuta Roma (Government Asked to Ratify Rome Statute Soon),” Lupitan6.com, 17 July 2011, http://berita.liputan6.com/read/344423/pemerintah_diminta_segera_ratifikasi_statuta_roma  (In Indonesian)
5.   “International Criminal Justice Day (PHOTO),” Nepal News, 17 July 2011, http://www.nepalnews.com/home/index.php/more-photos-gg/intl-criminal-day.html
6.  “Let's Remember Afghanistan on International Criminal Justice Day,” Ajmal Pashtoonyar, Afghanistan Analysts Network, 17 July 2011, http://aan-afghanistan.com/index.asp?id=1939
7.  “A Fascinating and Critical Time for the ICC,” Mark Kersten, IJ Central, 16 July 2011, http://ijcentral.org/blog/a_fascinating_and_critical_time_for_the_icc/
8.  “My IJD wish: ICC Universality for an End to Impunity,” Mariana Rodriguez-Pareja, IJ Central, 16 July 2011, http://ijcentral.org/blog/my_ijd_wish_icc_universality_for_an_end_to_impunity/
9. “PREPAK calls for peace, progress,” The Sangai Express, 16 July 2011, http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=7..170711.jul11
10. “Do I Have an ICC Fetish?,” Jesse Loncraine, IJ Central, 16 July 2011, http://ijcentral.org/blog/do_i_have_an_icc_fetish/
11.  “Reflections on a year in International Justice,” Julie McBride, IJ Central, 16 July 2011, http://ijcentral.org/blog/reflections_on_a_year_in_international_justice/

C. AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS

1. “Panel discussion on "The International Criminal Court and the protection of civilians" in celebration of the World Day for International Justice,” Organised by the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, 15 July 2011, http://www.unmultimedia.org/radio/library/2011/07/39038.html  (AUDIO) 2. “International Justice Day: LIVE Blogging Session with CICC Convenor William R. Pace,” CICC, 14 July 2011, http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/blog/?p=605&langswitch_lang=en  (TRANSCRIPT) “The Reckoning’ and educational modules,” Link TV, 17 July 2011, http://www.linktv.org/programs/the-reckoning?hm
3. “17 July - International Criminal Justice Day: Video clip 1,” ICC, 15 July 2011, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL3krTeQDFk
4. “17 July - International Criminal Justice Day: Video clip 2,” ICC, 15 July 2011, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUTS8p2W6Zk
5. “17 July - International Criminal Justice Day: Video clip 3,” ICC, 15 July 2011, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szbtE-v8ZXw
6. “17 July - International Criminal Justice Day: Video clip 4,” ICC, 15 July 2011, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHhj6nQoCpM
7. “17 July - International Criminal Justice Day: Statement of ICC President,” ICC, 15 July 2011, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9jO3ac-vCE
8. “The ICC at a glance,” ICC, 15 July 2011, http://www.youtube.com/user/IntlCriminalCourt#p/u/9/Y3UeFWbq97c

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The Coalition for the International Criminal Court is a global network of civil society organizations in over 150 countries working in partnership to strengthen international cooperation with the International Criminal Court; ensure that the Court is fair, effective and independent; make justice both visible and universal; and advance stronger national laws that deliver justice to victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. For more information, visit: www.coalitionfortheicc.org

The CICC's policy on the referral and prosecution of situations before the ICC:

The Coalition for the ICC is not an organ of the court. The CICC is an independent NGO movement dedicated to the establishment of the International Criminal Court as a fair, effective, and independent international organization. The Coalition will continue to provide the most up-to-date information about the ICC and to help coordinate global action to effectively implement the Rome Statute of the ICC. The Coalition will also endeavor to respond to basic queries and to raise awareness about the ICC's trigger mechanisms and procedures, as they develop. The Coalition as a whole, and its secretariat, do not endorse or promote specific investigations or prosecutions or take a position on situations before the ICC. However, individual CICC members may endorse referrals, provide legal and other support on investigations, or develop partnerships with local and other organizations in the course of their efforts. Communications to the ICC can be sent to: ICC, P.O. Box 19519, 2500 CM, The Hague, The Netherlands