A joint statement issued on Friday, February 7 by 79 countries supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) reaffirmed their “unwavering support” for the global tribunal based in The Hague.
The declaration follows an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump to impose sanctions on ICC staff over what he called “illegitimate and baseless actions” targeting the United States and its ally, Israel.
The signatories condemned the sanctions, stating, “Such measures increase the risk of impunity for the most serious crimes and threaten to erode the international rule of law, which is crucial for promoting global order and security.”
Among the 125 ICC member states, 79 backed the statement. The United States and Israel have never recognized the court’s jurisdiction.
Describing the ICC as “a vital pillar of the international justice system,” the statement warned that the sanctions could “severely undermine” ongoing investigations and force the closure of ICC field offices.
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