Canada, UK, France… eight countries condemn US sanctions against ICC

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.