On 24 January 2025, the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "Court") held a solemn hearing for the opening of its judicial year, featuring speeches of this year's keynote speaker, judge Dineke de Groot, President of the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, ICC Principals, and the President of the ICC Bar Association. ICC judges as well as the President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), Ambassador Päivi Kaukoranta, ASP Vice-President Ambassador Margareta Kassangana, President of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers judge Ekaterina Trendafilova, representatives of the diplomatic corps, the judiciary, civil society and international organisations, also attended the event in ICC Courtroom 1 or through the online streaming.
The President of the ICC judge Tomoko Akane stated: "It is now for us all, but importantly States Parties, to take action. What we have before us is a litmus test for our collective commitment to international criminal justice. I firmly believe that by taking determined action together, guided by our unwavering commitment to fight impunity against the most serious crimes of concern to the international community and towards victims of these crimes, the Court, and the rule of law in the international community, will be able to come out stronger and resilient than ever."
The President of the Supreme Court of the Netherlands judge Dineke de Groot delivered a keynote address on changes and developments in the Netherlands in connection with the mandate of the International Criminal Court, and stated: "Cooperation of national authorities with the International Criminal Court is a significant responsibility in view of the common aim of preventing impunity for international crimes. The national courts and the ICC share the perspectives of solidarity, pragmatism and effectiveness which are inherent to the functioning of the Rome Statute and encourage to move forward towards legal certainty on reducing impunity."
ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC noted: "Amidst conflict, concern and multiple pressures, this Court has in fact an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the foundations we have built together. If through our work together in 2025 we can show the relevance and true impact of justice for those on the ground who look to the law for protection, I believe this can be a year of transformative renewal for the movement of international criminal justice."
The President of the International Criminal Court Bar Association (ICCBA) Philippe Larochelle stated: "There are forces in this world that still oppose accountability, that seem to prefer violence and conflict over accountability and peace, when the former serves its interests. These attempts to undermine the Court only show how necessary and relevant our work remains, while sanctions and threats only reinforce our determination to carry out fair trials within the courtrooms of this building, and have a positive impact on the lives of the affected communities in whose names we act. …With, and through our members, the ICCBA is reaching to Bar associations, universities and NGOs in every corner of the world to continue garnering support for the Court and its work."
The Director of the Division of Judicial Services, Marc Dubuisson, also delivered remarks on behalf of the ICC Registry. Musical interludes were performed by Japanese band Kodama '25.
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