The International Criminal Court (ICC) commenced operations with its inaugural session in The Hague, Netherlands, after years of preparation following the adoption of the Rome Statute in 1998. This landmark statute established the ICC as a permanent tribunal to prosecute individuals responsible for the most serious offenses under international law, including genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The court was founded to complement national judicial systems and to ensure that leaders and individuals who commit such heinous acts are held accountable, reinforcing global commitments to justice and human rights.

The inaugural session was a gathering of significant international legal figures, including then President of the ICC, Judge Philippe Kirsch, and the Chief Prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, alongside various foreign ministers and representatives from the United Nations. They highlighted the importance of the ICC in the ongoing fight against impunity for egregious crimes, emphasizing its role in the global legal landscape. The court's establishment marked a turning point for international justice, providing victims a platform for seeking accountability and redress.

The session also served to set the operational frameworks for the court, which would include the rules of procedure, the establishment of the Office of the Prosecutor, and the beginning of case investigations. Its functioning relied heavily on cooperation from member states, both in terms of support and enforcement of the court's decisions. The ICC would thus pave the way for new expectations of compliance with international humanitarian law, fostering cooperation within the international community and promoting a culture of accountability.