On Friday, 79 countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a joint statement reaffirming their unwavering support for the court’s independence, integrity, and impartiality. The declaration came in response to recent sanctions imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump against ICC officials and those cooperating with the court.
A Pillar of International Justice
The statement emphasized the ICC’s role as a cornerstone of the international justice system, tasked with ensuring accountability for the most serious international crimes and delivering justice to victims. It highlighted the court’s mandate under the Rome Statute to investigate and prosecute genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
However, the court is currently facing unprecedented challenges, including punitive measures taken against its officials and employees. These actions, according to the statement, “increase the risk of impunity for the most serious crimes and threaten to undermine the rule of international law, which is essential to strengthening global order and security.”
Impact of Sanctions
The joint statement condemned the sanctions imposed by the United States, warning that such measures could jeopardize the confidentiality of sensitive information and endanger the safety of stakeholders, including victims, witnesses, and court officials. Many of these individuals are citizens of the signatory states, making the issue a shared concern.
Furthermore, the sanctions may force the ICC to close its field offices, undermining ongoing investigations and potentially halting critical cases. This would not only hinder justice but also erode trust in the international legal framework.
Global Commitment to Accountability
The statement underscored the importance of strengthening the ICC’s work, asserting that it serves the collective interest of promoting accountability and upholding the rule of law. It read: “As strong supporters of the Court, we deplore any attempts to undermine its independence, integrity, and impartiality. We are committed to ensuring the continuity of the Court’s work so that it can continue to perform its duties effectively and independently.”
Permanent Representative of Palestine to the United Nations, Minister Riyad Mansour, welcomed the statement, praising its emphasis on preserving the ICC’s neutrality and opposing interference in its affairs. He thanked all the countries that initiated and signed the declaration, highlighting their solidarity in defending the principles of international justice.
U.S. Executive Order Sparks Global Backlash
On Thursday, President Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on ICC officials for allegedly conducting “unlawful acts against the United States and Israel.” The order bans ICC personnel and their relatives from entering the U.S., freezes their assets within the country, and restricts their ability to operate globally.
This move followed the ICC’s decision to open an investigation into alleged war crimes committed in Afghanistan, including potential crimes by U.S. military and intelligence personnel. Additionally, the court has been considering an investigation into Israeli actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, prompting further tensions.
Signatories Stand Firm
The 79 countries that signed the joint statement include Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jordan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Palestine, Sweden, Switzerland, East Timor, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Vanuatu.
Their unified stance sends a clear message: the ICC must remain free from political interference to fulfill its vital mission of holding perpetrators of grave crimes accountable.
Conclusion:
The global backlash against the U.S. sanctions reflects widespread commitment to the principles of international justice enshrined in the Rome Statute. As the world grapples with rising tensions, the ICC remains a crucial mechanism for addressing atrocities and fostering accountability. The joint statement serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights on a global scale.