The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday strongly rejected US sanctions imposed on the institution, calling them an attempt to obstruct justice and vowing to continue its work independently.
“This measure targets an independent judicial institution, created by treaty and entrusted by 125 States Parties with investigating and prosecuting genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression,” the court said in a statement.
The ICC described the sanctions as “an assault on the rule of law” and the foundations of the international legal order.
It said the measures aimed to disrupt the court’s operations and intimidate those working for or cooperating with it.
“The Court will continue to fully discharge its mandate, with independence and impartiality, acting only on the basis of the law and the evidence, for the sake of the countless victims of grave crimes,” ICC President Tomoko Akane said.
The court said the sanctions followed US designations against 13 independent judges and prosecutors, adding that it would not be deterred from carrying out its mandate.
The ICC called on member states to take concrete steps to ensure it had the resources needed to continue its work.
“This is not just about defending a single institution, but about safeguarding the international order grounded upon the rule of law,” the statement said.
The court also said that “no one should be punished for serving the cause of justice.”
It added that future generations and victims of mass atrocities would judge how the international community responded to the sanctions.
The statement followed an announcement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of sanctions against the court.
It also emphasized the court’s role in ensuring accountability for serious international crimes.
“As a court of last resort, the ICC plays an important role in combating impunity for the most serious international crimes,” it said.
Announcing the sanctions, Rubio said: “President Trump will never allow the International Criminal Court to prosecute Americans. That is why, today, the United States is sanctioning the International Criminal Court.”
He also threatened to “end the ICC” unless it stopped what he described as its “threats.”