Move over, Gucci, here comes International Justice

When we think of Los Angeles and its inhabitants, many words come to mind. Granted most of them are based on stereotypes, but let’s face it: L.A. must be the only city in the country where grocery shopping requires Gucci loafers in addition to your Safeway Club Card. But stereotype no more—as of July 24, L.A. must now be associated with two new words: International Justice.

I wrote my first blog entry about International Justice (IJ) Day which is commemorated around the world each year on July 17. This day not only marks the anniversary of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) founding treaty, the Rome Statute, it also reaffirms the global commitment to making sure atrocities like those raging in Darfur, Sudan don’t go unpunished.

Last week the 15 representatives of the Los Angeles City Council passed a resolution declaring July 17, 2007 IJ Day. I heard through the IJ grapevine that the ICC Alliance (ICCA) of Southern California was instrumental in getting IJ Day on the Council’s Agenda and securing its ultimate adoption. I gave a talk last year to the very dedicated, genuine folks who make up the ICCA, and I must say, in a city that is often accused of existing in a bubble, the ICCA has done a tremendous job of raising awareness and advocating for the ICC.

But L.A. wasn’t the only city to support the cause of international justice and the ICC this month. Thanks to local activism and the tireless efforts of Amnesty International, Columbus, OH, New Haven, CT, New York, NY, Peoria, AZ, Portland, OR, and Terre Haute, IN all issued proclamations declaring July 17 International Justice Day. Here’s an excerpt from the Peoria proclamation (goosebumps warning in full effect):

“Whereas, during this century millions of children, women and men have been victims of unimaginable atrocities that deeply shock the conscience of humanity, and

Whereas, grave crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world, and

Whereas, those responsible for such crimes have largely gone unpunished throughout history, and

Whereas, efforts to hold those responsible for such crimes will contribute to prevention and serve as a catalyst for ending the armed conflicts in which such crimes are often committed, and [...]

Whereas, the ICC is today investigating those responsible for atrocities perpetrated in Northern Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, and Darfur, Sudan, which together represent some of the most protracted, violent conflicts in the world, and,

Now, Therefore, I, Bob Barrett, Mayor of the City of Peoria, do hereby proclaim July 17, 2007 as International Justice Day in the City of Peoria and urge residents to recognize the important contribution of the International Criminal Court to the advancement of justice, peace and security throughout the world.“

If you’re not from L.A. or any of the other six U.S. cities that have embraced IJ Day, there’s no need to relocate—you have 352 days to work with your local community leaders, advocates, and representatives to make sure your city adopts IJ Day in 2008. Next year marks the 10th anniversary of IJ Day. Seven cities have paved the way. It’s time for the rest of us chip in and show unwavering support for laws, norms, and mechanisms like the ICC that work to prevent and punish the world’s worst crimes. It’s time to show the international community that justice and accountability are American values, too.