Accountability is not the most popular subject for leaders and heads of state. Institutions, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) are particularly unpopular.

The inauguration of the ICC's Permanent Premises gives us all, court officials, states and the international community as a whole, the opportunity to make a pause in our journey to celebrate what has been already achieved through our collective efforts to enhance accountability.

Intentionally cutting off humanitarian aid is a war crime. Add that to the staggeringly long list of war crimes committed in Syria -- unspeakable violations of what are universally considered the laws of armed conflict.

The harsh and inescapable truth regarding Kenya's post-election violence of 2007/2008 that only the twisted can quibble over is that approximately 1,300 innocent Kenyans lost their lives.

The fact that these cases were heard in the same week may be merely coincidental, but it nevertheless sends out a strong signal that commanders who commit or permit atrocities will ultimately be held responsible.