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	Justice and accountability for international crimes and serious human rights violations by the Global Initiative Against Impunity   July 2025   On the 27th anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the Global Initiative Against Impunity reaffirms the essential role of international justice in upholding the international rules-based order.   Victims and survivors of atrocity crimes must be at the heart of these processes and have the right to meaningful, equal, and effective access to justice and reparation.   In the face of unprecedented threats over the past year, international justice mechanisms have demonstrated resilience and resolve.   Nonetheless, we remain deeply concerned about the continued erosion of accountability that jeopardizes victims’ rights and weakens the international rule of law.   In many contexts, transitional justice efforts are being undermined or co-opted, failing to confront the root causes of violence or deliver redress to those most affected.   We have witnessed selective responses driven by political interests, interference and attacks that threaten the independence, impartiality and effectiveness of judicial bodies.   The absence of concrete and coordinated action to preserve the international justice system - often in defiance of States’ obligations under international law - has allowed atrocities to persist and escalate, causing devastating suffering for civilians.   In this difficult context, it is even more inspiring to see the unwavering commitment of human rights defenders and civil society in their fight against impunity, despite the risks they face, sometimes at the cost of their lives.   Many have pursued legal action, documented and denounced atrocities, or mobilized international and national solidarity through public demonstrations.   Survivors, victims’ groups, and affected communities have taken up the charge to lead efforts to demand truth, justice, and reparation, including guarantees of non-recurrence, even in the absence of institutional support, and the dearth of funding.   Such determination for justice to prevail and for perpetrators to be held accountable must remain our shared guiding principles in the pursuit of international justice.   To preserve the international justice system that we have collectively built over decades, we must demonstrate our commitment to human rights and democracy through firm and bold action.   This moment demands responsibility from all stakeholders - States and decision-makers, international organizations, and corporate actors - to uphold their international obligations and reinforce the fight against impunity.   In particular, the Global Initiative Against Impunity urges all States to deploy every tool at their disposal - legal, political, diplomatic, and economic - to honor their commitments and the following.   1. Ensure the safe and equal access of victims and survivors of international crimes, including by supporting meaningful participation in judicial processes and the implementation of reparations frameworks. This includes investing in survivor-centred, trauma-informed mechanisms that go beyond consultation and enable co-creation of justice processes at local, national, regional, and international levels.   2. Take effective and coordinated actions to unequivocally support and strengthen international justice institutions and those who defend them, by adopting legal instruments and other safeguards that adequately protect these bodies and individuals, and by ensuring sustainable financial support.   3. Support United Nations accountability mechanisms and experts in their efforts to access victims, investigate, protect, advocate for human rights, and bring about justice for international crimes This includes adopting a firm stance and taking action, including through diplomatic pressure, in response to smear campaigns and attacks against them.   4. Implement decisive measures to prevent international crimes and serious human rights violations, as well as the risk of complicity through activities that benefit from their commission, and ensure accountability for all perpetrators, whether individuals, states, or corporate actors.   This includes respecting international legal obligations, complying with the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinions and judgments, and fully cooperating with the International Criminal Court.   On the Day of International Criminal Justice, the Global Initiative Against Impunity reaffirms its commitment to advancing comprehensive justice and accountability for international crimes and serious human rights violations across the globe - including through inclusive, locally rooted transitional justice approaches that challenge structural impunity and foster long-term peace and equality - until justice works, everywhere and for all.   * The Global Initiative Against Impunity for international crimes: Making justice work (GIAI) is a Consortium of eight international NGOs and the Coalition for the ICC, co-funded by the European Union, which aims to contribute to the fight against impunity by supporting a comprehensive, integrated, and inclusive approach to justice and accountability for serious human rights violations and international crimes.   July 2025   Statement of ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane on 17 July, Day of International Criminal Justice:   The adoption of the Statute in Rome on 17 July 1998 was, without doubt, one of the greatest day for international law and for the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes. It was built on a shared conviction that impunity for grave crimes threatens the peace and security and wellbeing of the world.   As we mark the Day of International Criminal Justice we reflect on our commitment to continuous improvement in performing that crucial mandate. Our mission is to fight impunity for the most serious crimes under international law: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.   In over 20 years of existence the ICC has grown into a robust judicial institution. We focus on delivering accountability for the perpetrators and redress to victims, in accordance with the rule of law and with full judicial independence.   This year, the Day of International Criminal Justice comes at a time of heightened global tensions and renewed attacks on the very institutions tasked with upholding international law especially during armed conflicts. The Court stands in solidarity with these institutions as well as their personnel. While the ICC, its officials, and other actors in the field of justice have come under increasing pressure, attacks, threats and sanctions, the Court will remain undeterred in fulfilling the mandate given to it by the 125 States Parties.   At this very moment, countless civilians live in ruins, subject to treatment contrary to international law. International justice is a lifeline for survivors, a signal of hope and a path of healing for the victims, and the way to break the recurrent cycles of violence and vengeance.   The Court will continue working for these countless victims and it is our collective duty to cherish this precious project – the Rome Statute system – that was created by the wisdom of mankind.   On this 17th of July, we must also reflect on the imperative need for the full cooperation and support of States for the ICC’s work. And the more States join the Rome Statute, the stronger is the force of legal protection against the most heinous crimes. Now more than ever, the world must rally around the promise that impunity should not be an option and that law must be the strong and adequate answer to violence and international crimes. I firmly believe that, united by our unwavering commitment to international justice, we can further strengthen our collective bond and ensure that this important institution continues to thrive.   We have a tremendously important mandate, which can only be fulfilled with global support. Together, we can build a more just world.   http://www.icc-cpi.int/news/statement-icc-president-judge-tomoko-akane-17-july-day-international-criminal-justice http://www.fidh.org/en/issues/international-justice/the-global-initiative-against-impunity-for-international-crimes-and-2235/day-of-international-criminal-justice-global-initiative-against http://www.coalitionfortheicc.org/news/giai-statement-EU-Day-Against-Impunity-2025 http://www.ecchr.eu/en/case/global-initiative-against-impunity/   * 20 Aug. 2025   International Criminal Court strongly rejects new US sanctions against Judges and Deputy Prosecutors   The International Criminal Court deplores the announcement of new designations for sanctions by the US administration against ICC Judges Kimberly Prost (Canada), Judge Nicolas Guillou (France), Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan (Fiji) and Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang (Senegal). These additional designations follow the earlier designation of four other judges and the ICC Prosecutor.   These sanctions are a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution which operates under the mandate from 125 States Parties from all regions. They constitute also an affront against the Court’s States Parties, the rules-based international order and, above all, millions of innocent victims across the world.   As stated before by the ICC President and Judiciary, as well as the Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, the Court stands firmly behind its personnel and victims of unimaginable atrocities. The ICC will continue fulfilling its mandate, undeterred, in strict accordance with its legal framework as adopted by the States Parties and without regard to any restriction, pressure or threat.   The Court calls upon States Parties and all those who share the values of humanity and the rule of law to provide firm and consistent support to the Court and its work carried out in the sole interest of victims of international crimes.   * The ICC investigates the gravest crimes of concern to the international community, namely genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. It is based in The Hague, in the Netherlands, and was established under a 1998 treaty known as the Rome Statute which came into force four years later. The United States and Israel are not among the 125 States that are party to the treaty.   Last November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, together with former Hamas commanders, in connection with the conflict in Gaza, citing allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is also probing war crimes allegedly committed in Afghanistan by all sides during years of conflict, including the US, following the allied invasion of the country in May 2003.   The UN underlined the key role that the ICC has in international criminal justice and expressed concern over the imposition of further sanctions.   “The decision imposes severe impediments on the functioning of the office of the prosecutor and respect for all the situations that are currently before the court,” UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric told journalists in New York.   “Judicial independence is a basic principle that must be respected, and these types of measures undermine the foundation of international justice.”   http://www.icc-cpi.int/news/icc-strongly-rejects-new-us-sanctions-against-judges-and-deputy-prosecutors http://www.icc-cpi.int/news/statement-icc-president-judge-tomoko-akane-following-issuance-us-executive-order-seeking http://www.icc-cpi.int/news/statement-icc-judiciary http://www.icc-cpi.int/news/presidency-assembly-states-parties-expresses-deep-concern-and-rejects-us-measures-targeting http://www.ipcinfo.org/ipcinfo-website/countries-in-focus-archive/issue-134/en/ http://www.ohchr.org/en/media-centre/news-situation-occupied-palestinian-territory-israel-and-lebanon http://www.icj.org/icj-communication-to-the-international-court-of-justice-urging-the-investigation-of-the-courts-vice-president/
	UN report raises spectre of war crimes and crimes against humanity in North and South Kivu by UN Human Rights Office, agencies Democratic Republic of the Congo   All parties to the conflict in the Congolese provinces of North and South Kivu have committed serious violations of international humanitarian law that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to a UN Human Rights Office report.   It says that since late 2024, gross human rights violations have been committed by the M23, supported by the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), as well as the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and affiliated armed groups.   The report was produced by the UN Human Rights Office's Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) on the situation in North and South Kivu, as mandated by the UN Human Rights Council.   “The findings of the FFM underscore the gravity and widespread nature of violations and abuses committed by all parties to the conflict, including acts that may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity,” says the report.   It documents the failure by all parties to adequately protect civilians in the conduct of hostilities, particularly during the takeover of Goma by M23 and RDF in late January, as well as attacks on schools and hospitals.   The report says that the M23 armed group, “with training, material, intelligence, and operational support from the Rwanda Defence Forces”, captured major cities in North and South Kivu. The group engaged in a campaign of intimidation and violent repression through a recurrent pattern of summary executions, torture, detention, enforced disappearances and forced recruitment targeting anyone “perceived as opposing the M23, regarded as a threat to its notion of order and security, or deemed fit to fight or serve the movement”.   M23 members also systematically carried out widespread sexual violence, mainly in the form of gang rape, and other forms of sexual violence, including sexual slavery. Women and girls were disproportionately targeted, but men, boys, and LGBT individuals were also victims of sexual violence, including in detention.   “Rapes were repeated over prolonged periods, often in conjunction with additional acts of physical and psychological torture and other ill-treatment, with a manifest intent to degrade, punish, and break the dignity of victims,” says the report.Hundreds of children were detained by M23, and young males forcibly recruited. The report exposes the enormous toll of the conflict on children of all ages.   The report identifies daily violations across the entirety of the territory under the M23’s control and “followed discernible, recurring patterns, indicating a high degree of organization, planning, and resource mobilization”.   Building from those conclusions, the FFM “has reasonable grounds to believe that M23 members may have committed (...) the crimes against humanity of murder, severe deprivation of liberty, torture, rape and sexual slavery (...), enforced disappearance, and deportation or forcible transfer of population,” says the report.   It also documents grave violations committed by the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and affiliated armed groups, such as Wazalendo. The FFM documented deliberate killings of civilians by FARDC after in-fighting with Wazalendo.   The FFM identified a pattern of widespread use of sexual violence, mainly rape and gang rape against women and girls, and looting by members of FARDC and Wazalendo during their retreat from the frontlines in January and February.   “Perpetrators operated in large groups and in multiple localities simultaneously, in a manner that reflected recurring patterns of rape and looting, rather than isolated acts,” says the report.   Wazalendo armed groups recruited children under the age of 15 and used them in hostilities, the report adds. These children were used in combat and in support roles, with girls also being used for sexual purposes.   The report further finds that both DRC and Rwanda bear responsibility for their support to armed groups with known track records of serious abuses, and for failing to meet their obligations to take all measures to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to protect civilians from serious harm.   Specifically, the report stresses that Rwanda is responsible for violations directly committed by its armed forces on the territory of the DRC and notes that the FFM had received “credible allegations concerning the covert presence of RDF personnel within M23”.   The report also states that the DRC bears responsibility not only for the violations committed by its armed forces, but also by its affiliated armed groups “to the extent that their members acted under its direction or control”.   The report also expresses concern over the lack of focus on accountability and support for victims in the peace agreement signed between the DRC and Rwanda on June 27.   “The atrocities described in this report are horrific,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. “It is heartbreaking and deeply frustrating to witness, once again, the dehumanisation of the civilian population by those in power who are failing in their responsibilities.   “It is imperative to promptly and independently investigate all allegations of violations with a view to ensuring accountability and victims’ right to truth, justice and reparations, especially guarantees of non-repetition. The swift implementation of the Commission of Inquiry mandated by the Human Rights Council to continue this vital work is essential. We owe no less to the untold number of victims.”   http://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/09/drc-un-report-raises-spectre-war-crimes-and-crimes-against-humanity-north http://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165782 http://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches/2025/09/hc-turk-democratic-republic-congo-genuine-ceasefire-needed-urgently http://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2025/08/drc-turk-appalled-attacks-against-civilians-rwandan-backed-m23-and-other http://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/democratic-republic-congo http://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/number-children-and-women-treated-after-facing-sexual-violence-drc-surges-four-fold-year-save-children http://www.msf.org/women-eastern-drc-nowhere-safe-sexual-violence http://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/08/drc-warring-factions-in-eastern-drc-commit-horrific-abuses-including-gang-rapes-summary-executions-and-abductions/ http://www.care.org/media-and-press/emergency-kits-run-out-alongside-hope-for-drc-sexual-violence-survivors/ Visit the related web page
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