Mechanism Principals’ Joint Statement on the Day of International Criminal Justice, 17 July 2025

On the occasion of the Day of International Criminal Justice, the Principals of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), President Graciela Gatti Santana, Prosecutor Serge Brammertz and Registrar Abubacarr M. Tambadou, issued the following statement:

On 17 July, as we commemorate International Justice Day and the adoption of the Rome Statute, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to uphold international criminal justice and to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.

In a world witnessing a troubling rise in armed conflicts and violence, the opening words of the Rome Statute carry renewed urgency: “Conscious that all peoples are united by common bonds, their cultures pieced together in a shared heritage, and concerned that this delicate mosaic may be shattered at any time...” Indeed, our collective commitment to the fight against impunity is more important than ever. The challenges are serious, but so too is the responsibility we bear.

The powerful impact of joint international efforts in the pursuit of justice is exemplified by the pioneering work of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and now their successor, the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. These institutions laid the foundations for modern international criminal justice by holding those most responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes to account — achievements that were only possible through the steadfast and principled support of the international community.

The 30th commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica, marked just last week on 11 July, stands as a solemn reminder of the enduring trauma caused by atrocity crimes, the resilience of the victims, and the role justice plays in healing and remembrance. Today, we honour the victimsand survivors, including those who were witnesses and contributed to the long and difficult path toward justice. As we reflect, we also recall the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994—another stark reminder of the consequences of hatred left unchecked and the pressing need for global solidarity in the face of mass atrocities.

While some may argue that international criminal justice moves slowly, its long-term impact is undeniable. Justice, though painstaking, is transformative — for victims and survivors, for entire communities, and for the global fight against impunity. Accountability is a pre-condition for reconciliation, contributing to the restoration of dignity of those affected by the crimes committed and to the establishment of historical truth.

With all core crimes cases concluded and all fugitives accounted for, the Mechanism now stands at the final stage of the justice cycle. But the fight against impunity is far from over. We remain engaged with national jurisdictions as they address atrocity crimes and are steadfast in preserving the legacy of the Tribunals—a legacy that plays a vital role in addressing genocide denial, historical revisionism, and the glorification of war criminals. Equally critical are the ongoing supervision of sentence enforcement and the protection of witnesses, which reinforce the credibility of international justice and help ensure that its outcomes are durable and respected.

On this day, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the rule of law and to the principles of justice and accountability—principles that must be upheld with resolve, even in the most challenging of times.