Although still not a member, the US is now an engaged participant in the International Criminal Court (ICC). Over the past year, the Obama administration has continued to send representatives to ICC meetings and make public statements backing the work of the Court. The US Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes Issues also recently reaffirmed that the US respects the right of other nations to join the ICC, a statement intended to reverse perceptions internationally about lingering US hostility toward the ICC and those nations that choose to join it. In an unprecedented act of support for the ICC, the US joined the international community by voting in favor of a unanimous Security Council resolution referring the situation in Libya to the ICC. On June 27, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Libyan leader Muammar al-Qadhafi, one of his sons and the country’s intelligence chief for crimes against humanity allegedly committed since the pro-democracy movement began in February.
The 211th General Assembly (1999) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) adopted a resolution supporting the creation of the ICC and encouraging the United States to join and ratify the ICC.
July 17 is International Justice Day. This day marks the birthday of the ICC. The American NGO Coalition for the International Criminal Court (AMICC) suggests several ways to observe International Justice Day:
Take action
- Organize a panel discussion, rally, teach-in, film screening, happy hour or community picnic on or around July 17
- Bring together local organizations from the faith, legal, academic and human rights communities to collaborate on an event
- Encourage churches and other groups meeting on Sunday to recognize International Justice Day in their worship or other activities
- Visit your Senator or Member of Congress to voice your support for the ICC
- Ask your Mayor, City Council or an appropriate organization for a July 17th proclamation
Use the media
- Write an Op-Ed or letter to the editor for your local newspaper
- Meet with editorial boards to explain the importance of July 17
- Appear on a local radio or TV show to speak about the ICC
- Distribute flyers in support of the Court at community events, spaces and celebrations
Plug in with social media
- Follow AMICC on Twitter
- Join the AMICC Facebook page
Use AMICC resources
- AMICC’s July 17 Organizing Guide
- Sample Mayoral Proclamation
- President Obama’s Evolving Policy on the ICC