Odhikar observes International Justice Day International Justice Day is observed throughout the world on July 17th to commemorate the adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court by the international community. Odhikar has been observing International Justice Day for many years now. The day has added significance this year as the ICC is also celebrating its 10th year with 121 States Parties and 139 signatories. The ICC has been dealing with the most serious crimes of international concern ‐ genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is, however, yet to exercise its jurisdiction over the crime of aggression, a very serious crime that threatens international peace and security.
The international community has to go a long way to make the ICC a truly global justice institution. Adilur Rahman Khan, Secretary, Odhikar said, " More efforts are needed by the civil society networks and State Parties to the ICC to further invigorate the ratification campaign, to reach all corners of the world." On this occasion, the Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) of which Odhikar is a member, called on all governments to make a firm commitment to prioritising international justice and to hold accountable those who are suspected of committing the crimes against humanity.
To observe International Justice Day, Odhikar held a discussion on 17th July 2012 in Dhaka. Speakers recalled the contribution of Odhikar in the ratification campaign in Bangladesh that ultimately led to the ratification of the Statute by Bangladesh. "It was a historic and delightful day for Odhikar when the Statute was finally ratified by Bangladesh on 23 March 2010" said Adilur Rahman Khan, Secretary, Odhikar. He welcomed the new Chief Prosecutor of the ICC but said, "Now is the time for the ICC to also focus on other parts of the world, like Afghanistan, a State Party, where crimes are, to this day, being perpetrated while the situation is, as we understand, still under the Chief Prosecutor's consideration for last many years." He added, "The ICC must be more active and global in its approach".
Dr. Tasneem Siddiqui, Founding Chair, RMMRU noted with concern that some of the State Parties to the Rome Statute as well as other States, who are obliged to cooperate with the ICC, are markedly reluctant to do so. She called upon all States to support the ICC in its pursuit for justice and international rule of law.
The meeting was presided over by ASM Nasiruddin Elan, Director, Odhikar while Shahiduzzaman, Chief of the Correspondents, New Age; Taskin Fahmina, Researcher, Odhikar; Mustain Zahir, Executive Edit
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