Key facts
- The US is planning sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) itself, not just its judges.
- South Africa's foreign minister Ronald Lamola warned that US sanctions could fundamentally disrupt the ICC's operations.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the ICC of being a 'corrupt and fatally politicised supranational court'.
- The Dutch government is leading efforts to dissuade the US from imposing sanctions on the ICC.
- Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten stated that 'International law either works for everyone or for no one'.
A coalition of countries gathered at the United Nations on Friday to defend international law, with a strong focus on resisting potential US sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC). South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola warned that such measures, which could extend to the entire institution rather than just its judges, would fundamentally disrupt the court's operations. He emphasized that an independent court requires its officials to be free from punishment for carrying out their mandates.
The US has already sanctioned ICC judges and prosecutors, including ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, for their work on cases involving countries that do not recognize the court's jurisdiction. Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has condemned the action against Akane.
US officials, including Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have been vocal in their criticism of the ICC, labeling it as 'out of control,' an 'evil group of people,' and a 'corrupt and fatally politicised supranational court.' The US has admitted to seeking the court's dismantling.
Reports suggest the US may impose secondary sanctions on those cooperating with the ICC, potentially impacting European banks, insurers, and technology suppliers that serve the court. The Netherlands, as the host nation, is taking the lead in urging the US to reconsider. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten stressed the universal applicability of international law and called for protection of the ICC.
Legal experts noted the increasing reliance on international law and courts even as these institutions face external pressure. Concerns were also raised about the selective application of international law by Western powers, favoring allies over others.