ICC countries accuse U.S. of eroding the international rules-based order

The Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC) has strongly condemned new sanctions imposed by the United States against the court's president, Tomoko Akane, and a senior prosecutor. The legislative and oversight body, representing 125 states, declared that Washington's measures "erode the rule of law" and the "international rules-based order."

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These new actions, which are added to the previous designations of the leadership of the Office of the Prosecutor and eight judges of the International Criminal Court, constitute regrettable attempts to hinder the court and its staff in the exercise of the functions entrusted to them to investigate and prosecute cases involving the worst crimes known to humanity.

In a statement, the Assembly reacted to sanctions announced against Akane, a Japanese judge and ICC president, and Abdoulaye Seye, a principal trial lawyer in the Office of the Prosecutor. The Assembly characterized these actions, along with previous designations against ICC officials and judges, as "regrettable attempts to hinder the court and its staff" in their duties to investigate and prosecute serious crimes.

The escalation of U.S. sanctions risks undermining ongoing investigations and impeding global efforts to ensure accountability and deliver justice for victims of the most severe crimes. The member states urged all parties within the Rome Statute system to remain committed to upholding international justice principles and to stand united in support of the court.

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The 'escalation' of sanctions against ICC officials and personnel by the U.S. 'runs the risk of undermining ongoing investigations and hindering global efforts aimed at ensuring accountability and delivering justice to victims of the most serious crimes that concern the international community as a whole.'

These latest sanctions are part of the Trump administration's broader campaign against the ICC, particularly concerning its investigations into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan and its decisions regarding Israel. This includes rejecting arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over the military offensive in Gaza. The U.S. is not a state party to the Rome Statute.

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We urge all States Parties and stakeholders of the Rome Statute system to remain firm in their commitment to defend the principles of international justice and to remain united in support of the court and the values enshrined in the Rome Statute.