The Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute is concerned about the sanctions imposed on the International Criminal Court.

The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute is deeply concerned about the imposition of sanctions against the International Criminal Court, its staff, and individuals and organizations that assist in investigations, arrests, or prosecutions of certain persons.

The relevant statement was published on the ICC's website.

The Bureau emphasized that such sanctions could significantly complicate ongoing investigations, the Court's activities, and affect the safety of victims, witnesses, and those subjected to sanctions. The organization condemns any attempts to undermine the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the Court.

“We reaffirm our strong commitment to the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute, and we pledge to protect its integrity, despite any threats or pressure regarding the Court, its officials, staff, and those cooperating with it,” the Bureau notes.

The Rome Statute symbolizes the international commitment to combating impunity for serious crimes that cause concern to the entire global community. Ensuring the Court's independence, particularly in its judicial and prosecutorial functions, is fundamental to successfully fulfilling its mission of holding accountable those responsible for such crimes and ensuring justice for victims.

The Bureau stressed that the Assembly of States Parties firmly supports the International Criminal Court, its elected officials, staff, and all those who cooperate with the Court. The organization urged all states, international organizations, and civil society to respect the independence and impartiality of the Court and to recognize its important role in upholding international justice.

The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties consists of a president, two vice-presidents, and 18 members elected by the Assembly for a three-year term. It has a representative character and assists the Assembly in carrying out its functions.

Previously, the Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) and dozens of human rights organizations from various countries called on the states that are parties to the Rome Statute to resolutely oppose the attempts by the United States to impose sanctions related to the International Criminal Court.

Human rights advocates, who signed a statement to the 125 member states of the ICC, believe that U.S. restrictions could severely impact the Court's ability to fulfill its important mandate in all situations in which it operates. For instance, financial institutions may preemptively refuse to engage in transactions involving the ICC.

All of this will directly affect victims of serious international crimes being investigated by the Court.

It is worth noting that the U.S. sanctions were imposed due to arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Similar warrants were also issued by ICC judges against three Hamas officials.

All of them are suspected of murder, hostage-taking, sexual violence, torture, cruel treatment of prisoners, and other inhumane acts.

U.S. authorities have previously pressured the International Criminal Court, whose jurisdiction they do not recognize. In 2019, they already imposed restrictions for investigating the situation in Afghanistan. American military personnel and CIA members, as investigators stated, could have committed war crimes while torturing detainees in the country.