ICC chief urges Japan to counter U.S. pressure on court members

The International Criminal Court's president, Tomoko Akane, has called on Japan to actively counter U.S. pressure aimed at compelling member states to leave the Hague-based tribunal. Speaking from Tokyo, Akane emphasized that Japan's support is vital for the ICC's continued existence, particularly as the United States escalates its campaign against the court.

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Japan should try to counter U.S. efforts to pressure members of the International Criminal Court to quit the body.

The Trump administration recently imposed sanctions on ICC President Akane and a senior lawyer, signaling an intensified effort to persuade other countries to withdraw. At least five nations have already followed this path. While Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi initially deemed the U.S. move "very unfortunate," she has faced backlash from opposition parties, human rights organizations, and some within her own party for a perceived lack of forceful defense for the court.

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Japan has long made the rule of law a cornerstone of its diplomacy. Consequently, both I and the international community hold high expectations for Japan.

Akane, addressing reporters via video link, highlighted Japan's significant role as the ICC's primary financial contributor. "Japan has long made the rule of law a cornerstone of its diplomacy. Consequently, both I and the international community hold high expectations for Japan," she stated. She specifically requested that Tokyo leverage its close relationship with Washington to dissuade the U.S. from further escalatory actions and to support neighboring ICC members, ensuring they resist the U.S. campaign.

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Furthermore, I would like Japan to focus on supporting neighbouring countries that are ICC members, ensuring that they do not succumb to the new U.S. campaign and decide to withdraw from the ICC.

"Countries, people and media are saying this is a litmus test for their expectations of Japan," Akane observed. "Japan's strong support for the ICC here will greatly contribute to its future survival." The ICC, established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, is not a member of the U.S. However, its decisions to seek arrest warrants for figures like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and to investigate U.S. actions in Afghanistan have drawn significant ire from Washington. Akane concluded that "this is where the real challenge begins."

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Countries, people and media are saying this is a litmus test for their expectations of Japan ... Japan's strong support for the ICC here will greatly contribute to its future survival.