17 July is a day of reminder of the EU's commitment to international criminal justice. This is an occasion to reflect on how impunity for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community undermines the very fabric of society.

This is stated in a statement by EU High Representative Josep Borrell, published in the bulletin consilium. europa. eu.

“Impunity destabilizes countries and entire regions, inflicts untold suffering on millions of people, especially the most vulnerable among them, threatens international peace and security, hinders reconciliation and reverses hard-won progress in post-conflict situations,” the statement said.. “International justice mechanisms are essential to ensure that the most serious crimes are investigated and prosecuted, that perpetrators are brought to justice, and that victims are provided with justice, adequate assistance and reparation for the harm caused.”.

“The situation that has affected several countries around the world, and now Ukraine as a result of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression, demonstrates how our aspirations for peace and justice can be destroyed at any moment and how important it is to protect the rules-based international order and ensure accountability..

The European Union and its Member States are committed to strengthening the international criminal justice system and reaffirm their full support for the International Criminal Court, a court of last resort complementary to national jurisdictions.

[see_also ids\u003d"

“We are determined to defend the integrity of the Rome Statute, the universality and independence of the Court. The EU calls on all states to uphold their obligations to uphold the rule of law and international law, whether in the ICC or in their national courts,” emphasizes the High Representative.

The national jurisdictions of EU Member States have made significant progress in applying the principle of universal jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute the most serious crimes before national courts. The European Network for the Investigation and Prosecution of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes ensures close cooperation between national authorities in the investigation and prosecution of the most serious crimes.

The EU also contributes to the promotion of international criminal justice by supporting transitional justice initiatives and investigative mechanisms in various contexts, such as international mechanisms in Syria and Myanmar.

As one of the main donors supporting justice sector reform worldwide, the EU promotes the development of transparent and accountable justice institutions, promotes independent, impartial and efficient justice and supports access to justice for all.

“The European Union will continue to call for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes to be brought to justice and held accountable. This is our duty to the victims. Impunity is not an option. nowhere. For no one,"