July 1, 2002, marked a crucial turning point in the history of international law and the global justice system, when the world's first permanent International Criminal Court (ICC) was officially launched. This independent judiciary, located in The Hague, Netherlands, is the result of the international community's long-standing efforts to pursue the rule of law, peace and justice worldwide, with the important mission of prosecuting and trying individuals who have committed the most serious international crimes.
Signature and entry into force of the Rome Statute.
The establishment of the ICC was based on the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, adopted in Rome, Italy, on 17 July 1998. After several rounds of painstaking negotiations, the Statute received broad support from United Nations Member States and entered into force on 1 July 2002 when a sufficient number of States ratified it. The Rome Statute defines the jurisdiction of the ICC and provides that it has jurisdiction to try the four most serious international crimes: racial war crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes of aggression.
ICC's unique position and challenges.
Unlike previous ad hoc international tribunals established for specific conflicts or events, such as the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), the ICC has a continuing mandate and authority as a permanent institution. However, it has not been smooth sailing, especially in the face of challenges posed by national sovereignty, international cooperation, and the failure of important countries such as the United States to accede to the Statute.
Functions and roles of the ICC.
The ICC serves as a legal mechanism designed to fill the gaps in national justice systems where they are unable or unwilling to pursue accountability. Not only is it capable of prosecuting and trying individuals, but through its presence and work, it sends a clear message to potential perpetrators that those who commit the worst crimes cannot escape international law, even in the absence of effective sanctions under domestic law. In addition, the ICC indirectly contributes to the development and improvement of the global rule of law by encouraging countries to strengthen their own judicial capacities.
Since its establishment, the ICC has received a number of cases involving conflict situations in various regions such as Africa, Europe and the Middle East, and despite many criticisms and difficulties, its role as an important tool for maintaining the international peace order and combating impunity cannot be ignored. The establishment of the ICC is not only a milestone in the history of international law, but also a beacon on the path of humanity's pursuit of universal justice, constantly illuminating the path to global justice.