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Advocates Philippines
Defending International Justice: ICC States Push Back Against U.S. Sanctions On Elected Officials
Photo credit: ICC
In a strongly worded statement, the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC) expressed deep concern over recent actions taken by the United States government against four elected ICC officials. These measures, the statement said, mark a troubling escalation following a previous designation targeting another official of the Court.
Describing the moves as "regrettable attempts" to obstruct the ICC’s work, the Assembly made it clear that such interference is not only unwelcome but also fundamentally at odds with the principles of international justice. The Court, the Assembly emphasized, must be free to carry out its mandate independently and impartially—free from political intimidation.
“These unilateral sanctions are a direct challenge to the independence of the Court,” the statement read. “They undermine global efforts to ensure accountability for the world’s most serious crimes and chip away at the international community’s shared commitment to the rule of law and a rules-based global order.”
The ICC, created by the Rome Statute, serves as a permanent judicial body responsible for trying individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. Its mission is rooted in the belief that no one is above the law—and that justice for victims must remain a global priority.
The Assembly reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Court and its officials, urging States Parties and all stakeholders to stand firm in their defense of the institution. It called for unity in upholding the Rome Statute and resisting external pressure meant to erode the Court’s authority or intimidate its personnel.
“The ICC is not just a legal body; it is a symbol of our collective commitment to justice,” the Assembly said. “Now more than ever, that commitment must remain strong.”
The current leadership of the Assembly includes President Päivi Kaukoranta of Finland, along with Vice-Presidents Michael Imran Kanu of Sierra Leone and Margareta Kassangana of Poland. Together, they represent the more than 120 nations that have ratified the Rome Statute and entrusted the ICC with the solemn responsibility of delivering justice when national systems cannot or will not act.
As the international community navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the message from the ICC’s States Parties is clear: justice must remain above politics, and the Court must be allowed to do its work—without fear, favor, or interference.
Describing the moves as "regrettable attempts" to obstruct the ICC’s work, the Assembly made it clear that such interference is not only unwelcome but also fundamentally at odds with the principles of international justice. The Court, the Assembly emphasized, must be free to carry out its mandate independently and impartially—free from political intimidation.
“These unilateral sanctions are a direct challenge to the independence of the Court,” the statement read. “They undermine global efforts to ensure accountability for the world’s most serious crimes and chip away at the international community’s shared commitment to the rule of law and a rules-based global order.”
The ICC, created by the Rome Statute, serves as a permanent judicial body responsible for trying individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. Its mission is rooted in the belief that no one is above the law—and that justice for victims must remain a global priority.
The Assembly reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Court and its officials, urging States Parties and all stakeholders to stand firm in their defense of the institution. It called for unity in upholding the Rome Statute and resisting external pressure meant to erode the Court’s authority or intimidate its personnel.
“The ICC is not just a legal body; it is a symbol of our collective commitment to justice,” the Assembly said. “Now more than ever, that commitment must remain strong.”
The current leadership of the Assembly includes President Päivi Kaukoranta of Finland, along with Vice-Presidents Michael Imran Kanu of Sierra Leone and Margareta Kassangana of Poland. Together, they represent the more than 120 nations that have ratified the Rome Statute and entrusted the ICC with the solemn responsibility of delivering justice when national systems cannot or will not act.
As the international community navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the message from the ICC’s States Parties is clear: justice must remain above politics, and the Court must be allowed to do its work—without fear, favor, or interference.
Jun 6, 2025
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