ICC - The ICC opens its doors as part of events commemorating the Day of Peace

The ICC opens its doors as part of events commemorating the Day of Peace

ICC-CPI-20090918-MA46

On Sunday, 20 September 2009, the International Criminal Court will open its doors to the public. A general presentation on the Court’s mandate and current work will be provided to visitors followed by a guided tour of the public gallery of the courtroom. Presentations during the morning will be in English and Dutch, and during the afternoon in English only. A schedule of the presentations will be posted on the ICC website.

The Open Day at the ICC is part of a programme of activities organised by the Municipality of The Hague to celebrate the international Day of Peace. Other international organisations will also open their doors on this day including the Peace Palace, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and the European Patent Office (EPO).

Alongside the efforts of other courts and tribunals based in The Hague, the ICC’s participation in the Day of Peace is an occasion to reaffirm the link between peace and justice. To put an end to impunity is one way to ensure lasting peace in the world.

All visitors registered in advance can take a guided tour of the ICC’s public galleries and courtrooms. For online registration please click on: www.dayofpeace.nl/registration

Also scheduled for the Open Day in The Hague is an ‘information market’ at the Spui Theatre, (Spui 187, 2501 CC, Den Haag) from 11.00 to 17.00. More than fifteen Hague-based international organisations and non governmental organisations , such as Europol, Eurojust, the Hague Academic Coalition (HAC), the Organisation of the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO), C3 Agency (NC3A), the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, and the Special Court for Sierra Leone, amongst others will make presentations at the small theatre.

In addition, ten non-governmental organisations (NGOs) based in The Hague will inform visitors about their work. There is no need to register for the information market, but please arrive on time to attend the presentations as the theatre has a limited capacity of seats.

The Municipality has arranged free shuttle buses to transport participants between the Spui Theatre and all the international organisations opening their doors to the public. Please note that Sunday, 20 September is also a Car-Free Day in The Hague and that a large part of the city centre will be closed to vehicular traffic.

The Day of Peace

Established by a United Nations resolution in 1981, the international Day of Peace is an annual day when individuals, communities, nations and governments worldwide highlight the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace.

This year, the programme is strongly aimed at children and young people with the participation of many prominent artists and various international and non-governmental organisations.

For further information, please contact Ms Sonia Robla, Head of Public Information and Documentation Section at +31 (0)70 515 8089 or +31 (0) 6 46 44 87 26 or at [email protected]