Eight countries condemn US sanctions on ICC

• Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom reaffirm their support for the International Criminal Court’s independence and integrity.
• The foreign ministers say the planned US sanctions could significantly affect the court’s operations, staff and their families.
• The eight countries pledge to work together to support the ICC and advance accountability ahead of a December 2026 meeting of its member states.

Eight countries have condemned the United States’ announced sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), warning that the measures could significantly disrupt the court’s work and affect its staff and their families.

In a joint statement dated Oct. 9, the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their “continued and unwavering support” for the court’s independence, impartiality and integrity.

The ministers said they regretted and strongly disagreed with the US announcement, stressing their commitment to the ICC as states parties to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court.

They welcomed preparations undertaken by the court to address the potential impact of the sanctions, saying these efforts would help it continue fulfilling its mandate.

“Nevertheless, if put into effect, these sanctions will have a significant impact on the Court’s work, its dedicated staff and their families,” the statement said.

The ministers added that ICC staff work daily to bring those accused of the most serious international crimes to justice and support their victims.

The statement also pledged continued cooperation among the eight countries and a commitment to constructive and inclusive dialogue with countries that are not parties to the Rome Statute, ahead of the Assembly of States Parties scheduled for December 2026.

The ministers said they would continue working together to support the court, uphold the rules-based international system and advance accountability.

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