International Justice Day 2025: Advancing accountability in a time of resistance

17 July 2025
Author: 
Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC)
On International Justice Day, the Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) celebrates the determination of human rights defenders (HRDs) and civil society organisations who drive accountability across the globe. Their work is not only foundational to the Rome Statute system and the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since its inception; it is the engine that drives progress toward accountability, even in the face of daunting threats and political resistance.

Breakthroughs on the path to accountability 

This year we have witnessed significant progress in the fight against impunity, much of it rooted in the tireless efforts of civil society organisations and human rights defenders. A powerful example is the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte in March 2025 for alleged crimes against humanity. This marks “a significant breakthrough and a milestone in the pursuit of justice at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the tens of thousands of victims of the War on Drugs in the Philippines. This development represents a crucial step towards accountability for the systematic and widespread killings that the Philippine justice system failed to address due to the failure to investigate and file charges against the perpetrators, despite the long-standing existence of the death squads,” highlights the Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court (PCICC).  

Momentum for international justice is building elsewhere. In Afghanistan, the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants for senior Taliban leaders in July 2025 send a clear message that that international justice is not an abstract ideal but a living, global demand: impunity will not go unanswered. “While justice may not be immediate, this action delivers a powerful message: impunity for crimes of persecution—particularly against women and gender-diverse people—cannot and will not be tolerated,” underscores the Afghanistan Organization for Development of Human Rights (AODHR). “Together, we must ensure this milestone leads to not just legal accountability, but real change for those who have suffered under tyranny and continue to resist it with courage.” 

 

Threats to international justice and its defenders 

These are not just headlines; they are hard-fought victories made possible in great part by years of unwavering advocacy by civil society and the work of human rights defenders. Across the world, human rights defenders and civil society representative face threats, harassment, and reprisals simply for standing with victims and cooperating with the ICC. Political interference, sanctions, and coordinated attacks on the ICC’s independence have also intensified. The Court is under mounting pressure, from open intimidation to withdrawals from the Rome Statute, measures designed to weaken its legitimacy and deter accountability. In these moments, silence or inaction only emboldens perpetrators of the world’s gravest crimes. States Parties must do more than declare their support; they must act decisively to defend the ICC and its defenders. 

Despite ongoing attempts to erode international justice and intimidate civil society organisations and human rights defenders, these courageous advocates remain unwavering in their efforts. They continue to lead the global fight against impunity, risking their own safety to uphold the Rome Statute system and work toward a future where no one is above the law. 

 

A call to action: Protect Justice, Defend the ICC and Its Defenders 

Every attempt to undermine the Court’s mandate is an assault on the very principles of justice, accountability, and human dignity. On this Day of International Criminal Justice, we call on the ICC’s 125 States Parties to safeguard the independence of the ICC and protect those who risk everything to defend the ICC’s critical mandate, by:  

  1. Standing with the Defenders: Strengthen national frameworks to safeguard civil society and human rights defenders who work to end impunity and support the ICC. As threats and reprisals intensify against those committed to justice, their protection must be a priority. 
  2. Defending the Court’s independence: Publicly condemn and reject any measures, political, legal, or financial, that threaten the Court. Reaffirm an unwavering commitment to the ICC’s independence and mandate, ensuring it remains free from intimidation and external pressure. 
  3. Consistently cooperating with the Court: Commitment to robust cooperation, including through enhanced efforts to execute arrest warrants and requests for cooperation, the conclusion of voluntary cooperation agreements with the ICC, and the ratification of the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the ICC (APIC).   
  4. Provide sustained, concrete support: Deliver consistent and sufficient resources for all situations under the Court’s jurisdiction. States Parties must guarantee sustainable funding for the ICC across all its organs and programs, enabling it to deliver justice in every case before it. This is essential to preserve the Court’s legitimacy, independence, and effectiveness, while preventing politicisation, selectivity, or inappropriate bias. 

 

Together for justice 

Despite the obstacles, our commitment to justice is unwavering. Each step forward, no matter how hard-won, reinforces the truth that justice is not only possible but inevitable, if we work together. The achievements of 2025 show that civil society’s voice cannot be silenced, and the demand for justice will not be denied. 

Let us honour the progress we have made, and the defenders who make it possible. Let us renew our commitment to solidarity, vigilance, and action, until justice is not a privilege for the few, but a reality for all. 

The work continues. The Coalition stands with every advocate, every survivor, and every community determined to see justice done. Together, we move closer to a world where accountability prevails, and impunity ends. 

 

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