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July 17, 2020

ABA President Judy Perry Martinez statement Re: International Criminal Justice Day

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2020 – Today, International Criminal Justice Day, the American Bar Association emphasizes the essential role of international criminal justice in maintaining peace and security, ensuring accountability for the atrocity crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, and preventing future atrocities

In particular, the International Criminal Court (ICC) remains the central pillar of the evolving system of international justice — an institution that provides hope for diverse groups of victims globally and a source of justice that would otherwise often be elusive. The coming year presents opportunities to further strengthen the practice and system of international justice through the election of a new prosecutor and judges at the ICC, as well as an ongoing ICC review process, to which ABA entities have already made contributions.

The progress made in international criminal laws, norms and institutions must be protected and perfected. Support for international criminal justice, including the ICC, is essential to advancing human rights and the rule of law.

The ABA renews its call for governments to recognize and protect the independence of the International Criminal Court and its legal professionals, and for the United States to rescind sanctions and threats against the court.

The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law. View our privacy statement online. Follow the latest ABA news at www.americanbar.org/news and on Twitter @ABANews