‘There can be no lasting peace without justice,’ EU says on International Criminal Justice Day

On International Criminal Justice Day, marked on 16 July, the EU paid tribute to all those who work tirelessly to uphold justice, accountability, and the rule of law. 

“Today, we remember the victims and survivors of the world’s gravest crimes and reaffirm our commitment to ending impunity,” EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said in a statement on behalf of the European Union.

The EU also reaffirmed its unwavering support for the international criminal justice system, including the International Criminal Court, ad hoc international tribunals, and hybrid criminal judicial bodies. It also reiterates its support for institutions upholding international law, including through the effective protection of international courts and their officials from threats or sanctions.

“The independence, impartiality and effective functioning of the ICC must be preserved and protected, and the Court must be able to carry out its mandate free from pressure, intimidation or interference. It is of the utmost importance that the Court be able to proceed with ongoing investigations and cases currently under judicial consideration arising from situations across the world,” the statement said. “At a time when violations of international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law, continue to cause immense suffering, accountability remains indispensable for justice, for the prevention of future atrocities, and for sustainable peace.”

The European Union reaffirmed its determination to defend international justice and to fight impunity: “There can be no lasting peace without justice, and no justice without accountability and meaningful reparations for victims,” concludes the statement.

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