On 27 January 2026, the International Criminal Court (ICC) held a solemn hearing to mark the opening of its Judicial Year. The ceremony featured addresses by the President of the Central American Court of Justice, Judge César Ernesto Salazar Grande, ICC Principals, and the Vice President of the International Criminal Court Bar Association (ICCBA).
ICC Judges, the Vice-President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), Ambassador Margareta Kassangana, representatives of national jurisdictions, international and regional courts, the diplomatic corps, civil society, and international organisations attended the event in ICC Courtroom I and via online streaming.
Opening the ceremony, ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane emphasized unity and the rule of law:
“This solemn hearing serves as a moment of unity for those determined to ensure that the rule of law prevails. Collectively, we can withstand any challenge that may come our way.”
In his keynote address, Judge Salazar Grande stressed the importance of cooperation among judicial institutions to uphold international human rights and promote peace and justice.
ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan highlighted accountability as central to justice, while ICC Registrar Osvaldo Zavala Giler reaffirmed the Court’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate for victims and affected communities.
Anta Guissé, Vice President of the ICCBA, underlined the importance of judicial independence and called for perseverance in the face of pressure, reaffirming the ICC’s commitment to upholding international law.
The hearing was followed by the ICC’s Seventh Judicial Seminar, attended by ICC Judges and more than 35 judges from international, regional, and national courts. The Seminar focused on safeguarding judicial independence, including discussions on attacks against the judiciary and the impact of digital technology. The European Union provided financial support for the Seminar.
