Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court: 20 years of combatting impunity and advancing international justice and peace

July 17, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Today, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the International Criminal Court [ICC].

“The ICC plays a pivotal role in obtaining justice for victims of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression. With landmark judgments condemning the recruitment of child soldiers, sexual and gender-based crimes, and the destruction of cultural property, the ICC protects the most vulnerable around the world.

“Canada played a key role in establishing the court. We thank the numerous Canadians who pushed for its creation, knowing that the ICC was necessary to defend international justice and peace. We also thank the many others who have proudly served in the ICC. 

“Those who commit crimes must face justice. The ICC is a fair, legitimate and transparent mechanism through which the world can hold perpetrators to account. The court is vital to maintaining international peace and security by holding the perpetrators of serious international crimes to account and acting to deter future crimes.

“When we look at the troubling situations facing the Rohingya in Myanmar or the people of Venezuela, for example, it is clear that the role of the ICC is more important now than ever.

“Canada is proud to support the International Criminal Court and the values for which it stands.”

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
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media@international.gc.ca
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