79 Countries Reaffirm Support for ICC Amid US Sanctions

Seventy-nine member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have issued a joint statement reaffirming their “unwavering support” for the court’s operations, Jurist News reported. This statement, released on Friday, emphasizes the ICC’s role as a crucial pillar of the international justice system, highlighting its commitment to accountability for serious international crimes and justice for victims.

The reaffirmation comes in response to recent sanctions imposed by the United States against the ICC, following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. This order authorizes asset freezes and travel restrictions on ICC officials, arguing that the court’s attempts to investigate Israeli officials lack legitimacy and infringe upon U.S. sovereignty.

The U.S. and Israel dispute the ICC’s jurisdiction, as Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute. However, Palestine accepted the ICC’s jurisdiction in 2015, leading to ongoing investigations into alleged crimes in the region.

In June 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill mandating sanctions against the ICC, prompting a similar statement from 93 member states supporting the court’s mandate. Additionally, nine countries formed the Hague Group to address Israel’s violations of international law. The ICC is tasked with prosecuting crimes such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.