DAY FOR INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE
The Day for International Criminal Justice is July 17 on the National Day Calendar. This International Day promotes the rights of crime victims and the importance of upholding justice. Let's take the opportunity to discuss the prevention of crimes that threaten peace and security throughout the world.
#DAYFORINTERNATIONALCRIMINALJUSTICE
Society expects that when someone commits a crime, they will be punished by law. A crime is anything that harms people or damages property. Common crimes include burglary, drug abuse violations, driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, fraud, and domestic abuse. Violence against others is another type of crime. Examples of violent crimes include homicide, murder, sexual assault, negligence, kidnapping, and harassment. There are also crimes against humanity. These types of crimes include genocide, enslavement, forced deportation, apartheid, and torture.
Countries that have high poverty levels and higher unemployment tend to have the highest crime rates. Countries with the highest crime rates include El Salvador, Jamaica, Honduras, Belize, South Africa, and Lesotho. Alternatively, countries with favorable living conditions and adequate police enforcement tend to have lower crime rates. Tough sentences also help lower the number of crimes committed. Countries with the lowest crime rates include Iceland, New Zealand, Portugal, Austria, Denmark, and Canada.
Unfortunately, some countries are better than others at punishing criminals for the crimes they commit. The top five countries for the best criminal justice systems include Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Germany and Singapore also rank high on the list. Countries with the worst criminal justice systems include Venezuela, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Egypt, and Cameroon.
5 WAYS TO SUPPORT DAY FOR INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE
On Day for International Criminal Justice, governments, activists, and victims’ rights organizations hold a variety of events. These events include informational seminars, conferences, and workshops. Other ways to participate include:
Learn it’s important for governments to uphold the criminal justice system.
Attend a presentation about the international criminal justice system.
Watch a movie that features America’s criminal justice system, such as 13th, Clemency, The Force, The Innocence Files, and Just Mercy.
Find ways to advocate for the victims of crime in your community.
Share this important day on social media by tagging #DayForInternationalCriminalJustice.
DAY FOR INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE HISTORY
On June 1, 2010, at the Review Conference of the Rome Statute, the Assembly of State Parties agreed that July 17th would be known as the Day for International Criminal Justice. The Review Conference of the Rome Statute was held in Uganda to consider amendments to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This international governmental organization and international tribunal sits in The Hague, Netherlands. It is the only international court that can prosecute criminals for certain types of crimes, which include crimes against humanity. The Rome Statute adopted the treaty for the ICC on July 17th, 1998.