On 17 July 2026, the world commemorated International Justice Day marking the historic adoption of the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998 – the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This year’s commemoration is more relevant than ever, as international justice is navigating a turbulent period. Political pressure on the international justice system, threats against advocates fighting impunity, decision to dismantle the ICC prosecutor, calls to dismantle the ICC, and notifications of withdrawal from the Rome Statute by several countries all point to a challenging season for the international justice system.
While politicians are politicking and some issues are instrumentalised by a few, International Justice Day stands as a reminder to not lose sight of the objective of international justice and to keep the victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide front and centre. To paraphrase Mahmoud Darwish, it is for the old woman still waiting for her martyred son, the girl waiting for her beloved husband, the children waiting for their heroic father and those who paid the price, that dedicated workers across the world show up every single day to pursue justice and fight against impunity. Besides, lasting peace can only be achieved with the presence of justice, and there can be no justice without accountability.
It is indisputable that the international order as we know it is shifting, and the international justice system won’t be spared. Yet, at this moment, the need to pursue justice and accountability is greater than ever. In challenging times such as these, it is especially important to highlight positive examples that demonstrate the value of international justice and reaffirm the importance of upholding its principles. Lately, a former Syrian intelligence general was convicted in Vienna and was sentenced on Monday 7 July to eight years’ imprisonment for torture, and a complaint was filed in Kenya regarding war crimes committed in Sudan. Moreover, Liberia is actively working towards accountability by working on draft bills for the War and Economic Crimes Court. This month, Civitas Maxima alongside Global Justice and Research Project and the University of Nottingham’s Human Rights Law Centre have submitted a new round of comments and recommendations to Hon Augustine S. Chea Chairperson of the Liberian Senate Judiciary Committee on Liberia’s draft War and Economic Crimes Court legislation.
International Justice is often slow and faces significant challenges. It has its limitations, and some of the criticisms directed at it are valid. Yet, despite its imperfections, it remains a beacon of hope for many victims: the chance, however slow, of accountability, recognition and redress. That chance is worth fighting for.