Eight Nations Condemn US Sanctions Threat Against International Criminal Court

LONDON, Oct 10: Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have expressed strong opposition to US sanctions announced against the International Criminal Court (ICC), reaffirming their support for the court’s independence and impartiality.

In a joint statement issued on Oct 9, the foreign ministers of the eight countries, all States Parties to the Rome Statute establishing the ICC, said they regretted and strongly disagreed with the announcement of sanctions against the court by the United States.

The ministers warned that if implemented, the sanctions would significantly affect the court’s operations, its staff and their families. They highlighted the work of ICC personnel in bringing individuals accused of the most serious international crimes to justice and supporting victims.

The statement welcomed measures taken by the court to prepare for the potential sanctions to ensure it could continue fulfilling its mandate under the Rome Statute.

The eight countries reaffirmed their united support for the ICC and pledged to pursue constructive and inclusive dialogue with countries that are not parties to the Rome Statute ahead of the Assembly of States Parties scheduled for December 2026.

They also pledged to continue working together to support the court, uphold the rules-based international system and advance accountability for serious international crimes.