Testimonials

"Success came also from the wisdom of organizing and allowing for the joint work of hundreds of volunteers from all over the world. The CICC was also indispensable in reaching out to a number of States and encouraging them to bring about domestic ratification and implementation. 

The CICC was essential in advising the advance team that laid the ground work for the establishment of the Court. It was key in organizing the search for candidates for the most important positions, such as for the Judges. It was involved in how to set up the Office of the Prosecutor and, later, on the budget and in the functioning of the ICC. It is permanently working to establish the Rome principles throughout the world. 

The Coalition is a model of how civil society can work together, of how thousands of NGOs with different agendas can work collectively and play an essential role in the creation and the functioning of an institution. The CICC is a leader amongst organizations advancing the path towards greater peace and justice around the world.”

"These women and men have translated their commitment into effective legal and political action through their worldwide awareness-raising, through countless direct dialogues with governments in capitals, through the preparation of numerous analyses on key issues, through the continuous production and dissemination of print and electronic information, through the formation of regional and thematic caucuses, through outreach to ministers, parliamentarians and the general public and through the sponsoring of persons from the developing countries to take part in the process.  

Government representatives acknowledged that without the assistance of the Coalition, there would never have been an agreement on a Court, let alone a Court with the strengths of the current Treaty. These strengths, directly reflecting the Coalition’s efforts, include the independence of the Prosecutor, the inclusion of crimes committed in internal armed conflict and of sexual violence, fair trial and due process for the accused, and restorative and compensatory remedies for victims.”

"The Coalition brought together a vast array of interested citizens dedicated to the creation of the vital new institution through peaceful means of persuasion. Being able to inspire and keep such a diverse group working together for so long is a credit to all of its coordinators. It epitomizes the wave of the future where the voice of the people can no longer be ignored. It should not be forgotten that the ICC is a new-born babe and it must be nurtured and helped to maturity - despite opposition by short-sighted or misguided adversaries. Improved international laws, courts and enforcement are still needed.”

"The CICC continued its efforts after the adoption of the Statute at the Rome Conference to secure worldwide ratification of the Statute. It has successfully promoted democratic and progressive procedures and criteria with regard to the election of judges and in many other ways has been of assistance in elaborating the structure and operations of the Court. 

The worldwide respect for the CICC and its work becomes clear since it is three times nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. The Assembly of States Parties to the Statute adopted in its second session, held in September 2003, a resolution recognizing the contributions of the CICC to the establishment of the Court. 

After counting the blessings, it is also realistic to face the incompleteness. There is still no universally accepted court. On the contrary, the Court is still more or less vigorously opposed by a number of important states. By its deeds the Court may persuade those states to become parties. The role of the CICC remains however of equal importance.”

"After the treaty was adopted - because of the opposition of the U.S., China, India and other countries - it was thought that it would probably take at least 15, 20, 25 years for 60 ratifications. Many countries, like Germany and France, have had to change their Constitutions to ratify. Yet here, less that four years later, we will have achieved the 60 ratifications.  It's a real demonstration how much the mobilization of democracy and justice and the rule of law is also proceeding in international affairs.” 

"Even for the creators, it was thought that it would take another 10 years before at least 60 countries would ratify the Rome Statute and the International Criminal Court could come into existence. But again, the Coalition for the International Criminal Court swung into action and within 4 years 66 countries had ratified the Statute and the ICC was born. That day, July 17th, has now been officially named International Justice Day.”