LONDON, England: The International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing significant challenges to its integrity and independence. A group of 93 states has come together to express their support for the ICC and its crucial mandate to hold individuals accountable for mass atrocities. This statement comes in response to revelations about clandestine efforts by Israel to undermine the ICC, following the prosecutor’s request for arrest warrants for senior Israeli government and Hamas figures.
The group of states, including Belgium, Chile, Jordan, Senegal, and Slovenia, emphasized the importance of allowing the ICC to work without intimidation or political interference. They called on all states to cooperate fully with the court in carrying out its mandate.
The diplomatic source highlighted that the statement was not solely directed at Israel’s actions but also aimed to address similar behavior by other states, such as a cyberattack on the ICC during investigations into senior Russian figures.
Danya Chaikel, representing the International Federation for Human Rights, praised the international solidarity demonstrated by the 93 ICC states parties. She emphasized their collective opposition to threats against the court and efforts to manipulate the rule of law for political purposes.
This unified stance sends a strong message in defense of global justice and accountability for mass atrocities, reaffirming the commitment of ICC states parties to uphold the principles of international law.
