More than 70 countries warn sanctions on ICC heighten ‘risk of impunity’ for grave crimes
Dozens of countries including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, have reaffirmed their support for the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has been sanctioned by the US for investigating Israeli war crimes in the Gaza Strip.
In a joint statement, state parties to the Rome Statute emphasised their “continued and unwavering support for the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the ICC”.
The court, they said, “serves as a vital pillar of the international justice system by ensuring accountability for the most serious international crimes, and justice for victims”.
“Measures sanctioning the Court, its officials and staff, and those cooperating with it have been adopted in response to the Court carrying out its mandate in accordance with the Rome Statute” the statement read.
The signatories warned that such measures “increase the risk of impunity for the most serious crimes and threaten to erode the international rule of law, which is crucial for promoting global order and security”.
