The Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties notes with deep concern the additional sanctions announced by the Government of the United States against two Judges of the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court. These measures, in addition to earlier designations of nine elected officials of Court, are regrettable attempts to impede the Court and its personnel in the exercise of their independent judicial functions in full conformity with the Rome Statute.
This escalation by the US administration in the use of sanctions against the Court's elected officials undermines the independence of the Court and the integrity of the Rome Statute system. Such actions risk undermining ongoing investigations and impeding global efforts to ensure accountability for the gravest crimes of concern to the international community as a whole. Sanctions against the Court's elected officials not only threaten the integrity of the Rome Statute system but its efforts to bring justice to victims of the most serious crimes known to humankind.
We reiterate our solidarity with the Court, its officials, and all those who contribute to the fulfilment of its judicial mandate. We applaud States Parties and stakeholders in the Rome Statute system for their steadfast commitment to upholding the principles of international justice and for remaining united in defending the Court, its elected officials, its personnel and those cooperating with it. Through our collective commitment to the rule of law, we can ensure that no one is above accountability.
