Canada and 92 other nations, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have voiced their strong support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) amidst criticism from the United States and Israel.
This support comes as the ICC investigates allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide attributed to Israel.
In a joint statement, these countries affirmed their commitment as states parties to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC.
They pledged to uphold the Court’s independence and ensure its officials and staff can carry out their duties free from intimidation.
The statement, issued by the Canadian Foreign Ministry, referenced previous endorsements on May 17, 2024, and reiterated in a collective statement from the 93 nations released on Friday.
These nations renewed their dedication to defending the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute and protecting them from political pressure or interference aimed at the Court and its personnel. They underscored their resolve to stand together against impunity.
Highlighting the ICC as the world’s first and only universal court, the nations emphasized its crucial role in global peace and security.
They called on all states to fully cooperate with the Court to ensure it can fulfill its mandate of delivering justice for victims of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. These crimes, they emphasized, pose significant threats to global stability, security, and prosperity.
This unified stance from 93 nations represents a significant international endorsement of the ICC’s independence and effectiveness in addressing serious international crimes.
