From left to right: the Registrar of the Court, Mr. Osvaldo Zavala Giler; the Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Dr. Álvaro González Otero; the artist, Mr. Roberto Vivo and the President of the International Criminal Court, Judge Tomoko Akane.

© Courtesy of the ICC

An impressive new symbol of peace and justice has been donated to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the Netherlands.

On 22 May 2026, the unveiling ceremony was presented by H.E. Dr. Álvaro Enrique González Otero, Uruguay’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, alongside ICC President, Judge Tomoko Akane at the International Criminal Court headquarters. This ceremony highlighted the cultural and diplomatic significance of the monumental sculpture created by acclaimed Uruguayan artist Roberto Vivo and brought together diplomats, judges, artists, and distinguished international guests to celebrate the official donation of The Totem of the Human Tribe by Uruguay to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and where the artwork finds a permanent home in The Hague a city internationally recognized for hosting institutions dedicated to international law, accountability, and peaceful cooperation among nations.

A message from Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi was read during the ceremony by Ambassador González Otero. In his message, President Orsi stated that the sculpture symbolises dignity, coexistence, and mutual respect among peoples, adding that its installation at the ICC delivers a timely message of peace at a moment when armed conflicts continue to threaten global stability.

Ambassador González Otero underlined the importance of placing the sculpture at the heart of an institution devoted to justice and accountability. He noted that the ICC embodies the collective determination of nations to defend fundamental values through international law, regardless of political or cultural differences.

The Ambassador also reaffirmed Uruguay’s longstanding support for multilateralism and international criminal justice. He recalled Uruguay’s early backing of the Rome Statute and stressed the country’s continued commitment to international law, peacekeeping, disarmament, global health, food security, and climate action.

The ceremony highlighted the symbolic connection between the sculpture and the mission of the ICC. Speaking during the event, ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane described the artwork as a reflection of shared human values and emphasized that the Court exists to serve humanity as a whole, beyond borders, politics, or cultures.

Artist Roberto Vivo explained that the sculpture encourages people to reflect on humanity as one interconnected tribe. According to the artist, visitors entering the structure experience a symbolic connection with the Earth while facing the four cardinal directions — an expression of diversity, coexistence, and openness to the
world.

Vivo also used the occasion to speak against war and violence, arguing that in the nuclear age, humanity can no longer rely on armed conflict as a way to resolve disputes. He described justice as the true foundation of civilization and called for stronger global cooperation to protect human dignity.

With this donation, Uruguay further enhances the ICC headquarters as a symbolic cultural site, underscoring the lasting bond between art, diplomacy, and the shared global commitment to justice, while also strengthening The Hague’s identity as a global center for dialogue, diplomacy, international law, and the ongoing advancement of peace and justice.

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