World Day of International Justice

Every July 17th, World Day for International Justice is commemorated, a date proclaimed to remember the adoption of the Rome Statute in 1998, a treaty that marked a before and after in contemporary legal history. That document founded the International Criminal Court (ICC), the first permanent court with jurisdiction to try people accused of committing war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.

The creation of the ICC was a historic response to the impunity with which atrocities were committed for decades in different corners of the world. Before the Rome Statute, there were only ad hoc tribunals created to try specific cases, such as those of Rwanda or the former Yugoslavia. The ICC established a legal framework with universal scope, where no person, regardless of their political or military rank, can be above the law. This date seeks to promote the strengthening of judicial systems, encourage cooperation between countries, and remember that justice is a tool for preserving peace. International justice is not only focused on punishing the guilty. Its function is much broader. It seeks to prevent abuses, protect victims, and restore social order. This restorative approach considers that every large-scale crime affects not only individuals, but entire communities. Justice, therefore, becomes a means to heal collective wounds and rebuild trust in institutions. In Latin America, the idea of international justice has gained ground, especially in cases where internal systems have failed to protect citizens. In countries marked by dictatorships, armed conflicts, or massive human rights violations, international justice has been a hope for thousands of victims. The region has been active in the ratification of the Rome Statute, and some countries have collaborated with open processes in the ICC. However, challenges still exist, such as the lack of political will or the weakening of institutional frameworks.

In the case of the Dominican Republic, the issue of justice remains a disputed pillar.

Although the country has taken important steps to strengthen its judicial system, such as the election of an independent Attorney General or the recent investigations into high-profile corruption cases, structural problems persist. Among them, the slowness of judicial processes stands out, as does the lack of independence of some judges, the limited coverage of free legal assistance, and the difficulties many citizens face in accessing adequate defense. All this directly affects the perception of justice by the population. One of the great challenges for the Dominican Republic has been combating impunity. Despite existing laws, many victims of gender violence, child abuse, economic crimes, or state negligence do not achieve justice. The penal system is saturated, resources are limited, and often the procedures extend for years without resolution. In rural or vulnerable areas, the situation is further aggravated. Therefore, this date should also serve to reflect on the need to transform local justice, ensuring that it is effective, accessible, fast, and focused on human dignity. International Justice Day also puts victims at the center. They are often forgotten or revictimized in the processes. This day is a call to put their voices forward, to listen to their testimonies and to repair the damage suffered. Justice cannot focus only on punishments. It must also offer mechanisms for reparation, guarantees of non-repetition and spaces for truth. In many countries, the testimonies of the victims have been key to documenting crimes, promoting reforms or bringing those responsible to justice. Furthermore, this date promotes international cooperation. No State can face the challenges of organized crime, transnational drug trafficking, human trafficking, or high-level corruption on its own. Only with collaboration between governments, multilateral organizations, civil society, and the judiciary is it possible to build a solid legal framework that acts independently and has legitimacy. International justice is not a replacement for local systems, but rather a tool that reinforces them and encourages them to act with more responsibility. In this context, it is essential to work for the legal education of citizens. An informed people know their rights and know how to demand them. Training in human rights, justice, and democracy should be part of the education system and public policies. When people understand the value of justice, they defend it and actively get involved in its strengthening. World Day of International Justice is also an opportunity to promote awareness and citizen participation campaigns. International justice continues to face challenges. There are countries that have not ratified the Rome Statute, others that have but do not cooperate. In some cases, political interests hinder investigations or the impartiality of the court is questioned. However, this date reminds us that progress has not been in vain. Today more than ever, victims have a voice, the world has instruments to act and the principle that no one is above the law continues to gain ground. Commemorating July 17th is a way to reaffirm the commitment to truth, equity, and historical memory. It is an opportunity to assess what has been achieved and what still needs to be built. Justice is not just a legal structure, it is also a way of organizing society, resolving conflicts, and guaranteeing coexistence. In times of crisis, polarization, or violence, this day takes on even more meaning. Because without justice, there is no lasting peace. And without truth, there is no possible justice.