NAIROBI, Kenya- The International Criminal Court has condemned US sanctions against the institution, calling them an attempt to obstruct justice and urging its member states to help ensure it can continue operating.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Hague-based court said the US move was an “unprecedented step” following sanctions against 13 of its judges and prosecutors.
It said targeting the institution could disrupt its work and intimidate staff and others who cooperate with it.
ICC President Tomoko Akane said the court would continue its work independently and impartially, basing its decisions on the law and evidence and acting in the interests of victims of serious crimes.
“The Court cannot stand alone,” the statement said, calling on the 125 states that established the ICC to ensure it has the means to operate.
The court said the issue extended beyond its own survival to the protection of an international order based on the rule of law.
The US sanctions were announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Washington would ban transactions with the court.
The Trump administration says the ICC has exceeded its authority by pursuing officials from countries that have not joined the court, including the United States and Israel.
The sanctions are not due to take effect immediately.
The Netherlands, which hosts the ICC, said a six-month period before implementation leaves room for dialogue.
Several US allies, including Britain, Canada, France, Germany and Japan, have criticised the move and warned it could affect the court’s work.
The ICC prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression when national authorities are unwilling or unable to act.
The United States is not a member of the court.
