On July 17, 1998, countries around the world adopted the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), a day now recognized as International Justice Day. \u00a0
The ICC is the court of last resort for victims seeking justice for the most serious crimes in violation of international law. However, this year victims' access to justice is under threat as the United States escalates its attack on the global rule of law. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this week announced a stepped-up campaign to "dismantle" the ICC. Behind the rhetoric, the US government wants to hand out \u201cget-out\u2013of\u2013jail\u2013free" cards to whomever it chooses.
In the face of these and other attacks on justice, crucial efforts are being undertaken, often led by survivors, to protect and advance the international justice system.
The ICC continues its critical work, including sending a\u00a0first case from Libya to trial earlier this week. And the trial of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity during the\u00a0murderous \u201cwar on drugs\u201d is set to start in November.
ICC member countries, United Nations experts, and others have\u00a0spoken out against the US government\u2019s use of sanctions intended for human rights violators against ICC officials and those working to promote justice.
A number of countries are also working to advance justice at home. In Syria, the first atrocity crimes trial within the country and the ongoing transitional justice process, with their challenges and shortcomings still to be addressed, provide hope that\u00a0justice is finally within reach. In Lebanon, two members of parliament\u00a0introduced a bill that would allow prosecution of serious international crimes, opening the door for long-awaited domestic investigations.
In\u00a0Myanmar and\u00a0Sudan, survivor and civil society organizations are spearheading creative efforts to seek justice in other countries under the principle of universal jurisdiction, as there are no meaningful avenues for justice in their own countries.
On International Justice Day \u2013 and every day \u2013 governments should build on these efforts and show they stand by victims of atrocities. They should denounce attacks on the international justice system, show support for the ICC and those cooperating with it, and take concrete steps to protect those under attack.
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