More than 850 people visited the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Sunday, 16 October 2022, when it opened its headquarters for The Hague’s Just Peace Open Day. Women, men and children of different ages and nationalities, including Dutch nationals and members of the international community based in The Hague, had the opportunity to learn more about the Court and Trust Fund for Victims’ work and be inspired to help build a more just world.
Highlights this year included an interactive session with staff in the main ICC Courtroom, viewing of several artworks, insightful information on investigations and cases, as well as the work of the Trust Fund for Victims, an area featuring jobs, internships and visiting professional positions, and activities for children and youth.
Just Peace Open Day is part of The Hague’s Just Peace Month from September 21 (International Day of Peace) and October 24 (International UN Day). The Just Peace Month programme is a collaboration between The Hague Humanity Hub and the City of The Hague – the Court’s host city – along with other contributing organisations.
Each year, Open Day gives the public the opportunity to learn more about the functioning and aims of the various international institutions and non-governmental organisations based in the city. The Hague, long known as the City of Peace and Justice, has been hosting the ICC since 2002. The city and its surrounding area are now home to over 160 international organisations.
The ICC is the first permanent, treaty-based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, namely war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression.
