Foreign ministers from eight countries — Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (UK) — have condemned the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a joint statement issued on October 9, the countries, all
States Parties to the Rome Statute, reaffirmed their support for the court’s
independence and mandate.
The US imposed sanctions on the ICC on Friday, hours after
Navi Pillay, one of the court’s former judges, won the Nobel peace prize.
Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, said President Donald
Trump would never allow the ICC to prosecute Americans.
“Either the ICC will end its threats, or we
will end the ICC. We expect our allies, many of whom are part of the ICC and
that rely on American service members for their defense, to rein in the court,” Rubio said.
The eight countries said they “strongly disagree” with the
US sanctions, warning that the measures could significantly undermine the ICC’s
ability to carry out its work.
The countries expressed “unwavering support for the
independence, impartiality, and integrity” of the ICC.
“Nevertheless, if put into effect, these sanctions will have
a significant impact on the Court’s work, its dedicated staff and their
families,” the ministers said.
According to the ministers, ICC personnel work daily to
bring individuals accused of the gravest international crimes to justice while
providing support to victims
The ministers underscored their countries’ determination to
maintain a united front in defence of the ICC, saying they should engage in
dialogue with non-parties to the Rome Statute.
They welcomed the measures the ICC has already taken to
prepare for the potential impact of the sanctions, noting that such steps would
help the court continue to fulfil its mandates.
The countries said they would continue working collectively
to support the court, defend the rules-based international system and
strengthen efforts to ensure accountability for serious international crimes.
The ministers added that they would use preparations for the
Assembly of States Parties, scheduled for December, as an opportunity to
advance engagement and reinforce international support for the ICC.
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