International Criminal Justice Day: ICC launches celebrations

On Thursday, 7 July 2011, from 09:15 to 10:00, the International  Criminal Court (ICC) and the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) are holding an event and symbolic flag-raising ceremony, calling other parties to join in celebrations of 17 July, International Criminal Justice Day. Events commemorating 17 July are aimed at raising awareness and generating support for global justice and the fight against impunity. The ICC is coordinating with national judiciaries, international tribunals, NGOs and other partners to commemorate this day, and invites all those who wish to support justice, promote victims’ rights, and help prevent crimes that threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world. The event on 7 July will begin with speeches by the Vice-President of the Assembly of States Parties and Ambassador of Mexico, H.E. Mr Jorge Lomónaco and the ICC President, Judge Sang-Hyun Song, followed by a presentation of special commemorative videos celebrating 17 July.  Participants will then proceed outside for a symbolic flag-raising ceremony, during which an International Criminal Justice Day banner  will be raised. Banners will thereafter be displayed throughout the city of The Hague in the days leading up to 17 July, in a call for joint celebration and action in support of international justice. Light refreshments will be served at the closing of the event. All media representatives are cordially invited to attend the event on 7 July. Please confirm your attendance by 17:00 on 6 July 2011 by reply e-mail to PublicAffairs.Unit@icc-cpi.int. Please arrive no later than 09:00 at the main entrance of the ICC on Maanweg, and present your valid press pass at the reception desk. Media representatives covering the events for 17 July are also welcome to view the schedule of events, photos, videos and other informational materials related to 17 July on the International Criminal Justice Day Facebook page, which will be updated regularly as events unfold.Background17 July is the Day of International Criminal Justice. The date of 17 July was adopted by the Assembly of the States Parties during the Review Conference of the Rome Statute held in Kampala (Uganda) last year in June and marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the ICC.The day is a celebration of the landmark steps that the international community is taking to reach to common goal of global justice, and an opportunity for those who support justice around the world to make  their voices heard. We hope you will join us in commemorating this day.