The Rome Statute, adopted in July 1998, was the culmination of extensive negotiations among member states, international organizations, and civil society representatives. The conference held in Rome brought together more than 160 state parties, reflecting a global consensus on the necessity of a permanent international court to address the most heinous crimes. The statute codifies the principles of individual criminal responsibility and the complementarity of national and international legal systems, allowing the ICC to exercise jurisdiction when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute. The adoption of the Rome Statute is particularly noteworthy as it represents a significant evolution in international law, transitioning from ad hoc tribunals, such as those established for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, to a permanent judicial institution.The statute outlines the definitions of crimes within the court's jurisdiction, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. These provisions reflect a commitment to accountability for perpetrators of serious offenses that shock the conscience of humanity. The ICC's establishment aimed to deter future atrocities by signaling that individuals can be held accountable regardless of their position of power. Although it faced challenges in its first years, the court has since exercised its mandate in various situations globally, addressing issues in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan. The conference in Rome thus stands as a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice in the international arena.