The Rome Statute is the founding treaty of which international organization?

The Rome Statute is the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC), an independent international judicial body established to prosecute individuals for serious crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Adopted on 17 July 1998 in Rome, Italy, this treaty marked a historic moment in global justice, as it created the first permanent international court dedicated to holding individuals—not states—accountable for the gravest offenses against humanity.

The ICC officially came into force on 1 July 2002, when the required number of countries ratified the Rome Statute. The purpose behind creating the ICC was to ensure that perpetrators of serious international crimes do not escape punishment, especially in situations where national courts are unable or unwilling to take action. This global commitment to justice strengthened the international legal system and encouraged nations to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, the ICC works independently of the United Nations, although both entities cooperate closely. Over the years, the ICC has handled significant cases involving conflicts and human rights violations in various regions, reflecting its growing influence in international criminal justice.