We had the profound honour of welcoming the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to Nuremberg for their annual judicial retreat, held from 16 to 17 June 2025. Marking the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Nuremberg trials, this meeting took place in a city that continues to symbolise the global commitment to accountability, justice, and the rule of law.
The retreat’s working sessions took place in the premises of the Nuremberg Academy in the Nuremberg Palace of Justice, adjacent to historic Courtroom 600 – the very site of the Nuremberg trials. The discussion topics included the Nuremberg legacy, the crime of aggression, judicial practices, and contemporary challenges in international criminal law.
As part of the retreat, the judges also visited the historic site of the Flossenbürg Concentration Camp Memorial. They participated in a guided tour and a solemn remembrance ceremony, reflecting on the atrocities that had been committed and on the ongoing responsibility to ensure that such crimes are never repeated. The ceremony served as a moment of collective reflection on the role of justice in healing, memory, and prevention.
In these times of geopolitical tension and renewed assaults on international law, the Nuremberg Academy stands in firm solidarity with the International Criminal Court. We affirm our continued support for the Court’s independence, mandate, and crucial role in the pursuit of justice worldwide. The International Nuremberg Principles Academy extends its deep appreciation to the ICC judges and staff for their presence and engagement. Together, we renew our commitment to the values forged in Nuremberg and carried forward by the Court in The Hague. (gp)