In the name of the Italian Government, I am delighted to publish the following message marking International Criminal Justice Day, celebrated on 17 July.
“Today is ‘International Criminal Justice Day’, which commemorates and celebrates the approval of the Rome Statute on 17 July 1998 and the birth of the International Criminal Court. The creation of the Court marked a milestone in the development of the ‘rule of law’, the protection of human rights and the punishment of crimes that offend the very conscience of the human race. With this Court, the victims of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity have found a response to their demand for justice.
Italy has supported the Court from the very start of the negotiations that led to the Rome Statute. Our support remains – without change and without reserve.
Over the years, the Court has seen its authority and credibility grow and become ever-more strongly established. Its membership, too, has seen constant growth, with the number of countries ratifying the Rome Statute now standing at 121. At the same time, the Court’s universality remains a goal to be pursued with tenacity, along with our partners in the European Union.
Today, therefore, the International Criminal Court represents a guarantee for international legality and respect for the fundamental human rights. It is, too, an instrument for peace and international security. The United Nations Security Council’s referral to the Court of situations such as Sudan-Darfur and Libya bears further witness to its role in this respect.
In this spirit, I have issued instructions for the flag of the International Criminal Court to be flown today at the Farnesina Palace, alongside those of Italy and the European Union”.
