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International Law and Justice
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As technology transforms our lives, it is also reshaping crime — and challenging how justice systems respond. From 26 September to 1 October, the in Abu Dhabi brings together governments, civil society, academia and experts to explore how criminal justice can keep pace with rapid technological change. Discussions will focus on protecting people, especially the most vulnerable, and the environment from crime, violence and exploitation. From access to justice and smarter prevention to stronger partnerships and emerging forms of crime, the Congress will seek practical solutions for a safer, fairer digital age.
The International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, marks today the 80th anniversary of its inaugural session with a solemn sitting attended by ĢƵ Secretary‑General António Guterres. Established by the ĢƵ Charter and operational since April 1946, the Court is headquartered at the Peace Palace in The Hague. Composed of 15 judges elected for nine‑year terms, the Court settles legal disputes submitted to it by States and gives advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized ĢƵ organs and specialized agencies. Follow the live broadcast on .
In a very complex geopolitical situation marked by multiple global crises, one of the United Nations’ most important achievements is building a shared set of international rules. These laws help countries work together, support economic and social progress, and reduce the risk of conflict. They are written into and agreements and affect people’s daily lives, even if most of us don’t notice them. The ĢƵ was created to help countries resolve disputes peacefully and to develop and improve these international rules over time.
The 2025 International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime highlights the cost of transnational crime rings and the need to trace illicit financial flows to cut criminal networks’ lifelines. This year’s campaign, “Follow the money. Stop organized crime.”, calls for targeting the profits of organized crime to disrupt operations, strengthen justice, and return stolen assets to communities. Member States, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and individuals are encouraged to join the campaign. #StopOrganizedCrime
In this episode of the podcast, ILO Research and Publications Director Caroline Fredrickson explains what the ILO’s new reveals about global progress, the challenges that remain, and how leaders can build fairer and more resilient societies.
The Day of International Criminal Justice marks the anniversary of the adoption of the on 17 July 1998, the founding treaty of the (ICC). The ICC has jurisdiction to prosecute individuals who commit genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. This year, the commemoration is devoted to protecting the memory of the victims of mass atrocities and supporting the quest for justice of survivors of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, by ensuring their meaningful involvement and participation within the system of the ICC.
The has no place in the 21st century, affirms the Chief Volker Türk citing its contribution to wrongful executions. Speaking at the Human Rights Council panel in Geneva, he highlighted the Global South's leadership in the movement to abolish capital punishment, driven by legal reforms and judicial interventions. Despite this progress, 2023 saw a 31% increase in executions, with 1,153 recorded in sixteen countries, primarily in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, and the U.S. Türk noted that over 40% of executions were for drug-related offenses, mostly in Iran. He stressed the judiciary's critical role in interpreting the law to favor abolition, referencing Malawi's and Malaysia's recent reforms.
A crowd gathered around a makeshift open-air courtroom in a village in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), to watch defendants, including feared soldiers, face justice for war crimes and crimes against humanity. This scene has become common in eastern DRC, where mobile court hearings have helped hold perpetrators accountable for human rights violations, particularly sexual violence against women and girls. Supported by the ĢƵ Joint Human Rights Office in Congo, mobile courts bring judges, prosecutors, and defense lawyers to remote areas, demonstrating that crimes committed in rural settings can still be prosecuted.
Journalists reporting from crisis- and conflict zones face severe threats in carrying out their critical work. Between 2006 and 2024, around the world, with close to nine out of ten cases of these killings remaining judicially unresolved. The safety of the reporters in these contexts is a crucial issue. The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (2 November) aims to promote a broader discussion on their security, including the prevention, protection and prosecution concerns of journalists facing such challenges.
On the seventh commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism on 21 August 2024, join us to honor the powerful voices of victims as they use their experiences and journeys to create meaningful and positive change by raising awareness about the long-lasting impact of terrorism. By amplifying these voices, the International Day seeks to inspire collective action and empower individuals and communities to work towards a future defined by peace, solidarity, and resilience.
“In Syria, I was really struck by this lack of revenge. I haven't seen many people wanting revenge. They want justice. And that's really a very powerful attitude.”
A former judge, Catherine Marchi-Uhel spent a lifetime pursuing justice. Now leading the quest for accountability for atrocities and war crimes committed in the Syrian civil war, she finds comfort in survivors’ resilience and their determination to move on with their lives. Since 2016, the ĢƵ’s IIIM (International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism) has been helping investigate and prosecute the most serious atrocities committed in Syria during the devastating conflict.
In this episode, Catherine Marchi-Uhel reflects on the painstaking job of documenting brutality, the importance of preserving evidence, and how she keeps faith in the face of humanity’s darkest crimes.
Since its adoption 75 years ago, the Genocide Convention has played an important role in the development of international criminal law, in holding perpetrators of this crime accountable, galvanizing prevention efforts, and giving voice to the victims of genocide. This year’s event (9 December) focuses on the legacy of the 1948 Agreement. It highlights some of the achievements emanating from the Convention and . Genocide is still a threat in the world today and populations around the world remain at risk of this crime.
has released its which provides an essential toolbox of approaches for strengthening the implementation and enforcement of environmental law.
Corruption is a major challenge facing the world today, with negative impacts on society and economic development, as well as democracy and the rule of law. It is often a root cause of conflict, fueling instability and inhibiting peace processes. Preventing corruption, promoting transparency, and strengthening institutions is crucial to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day seeks to highlight the crucial link between anti-corruption and peace, security, and development, and the responsibility of everyone in overcoming this crime. This year’s commemoration celebrates the twentieth anniversary of the .