Amsterdam, Feb 8, (dpa/GNA) – A joint statement issued on Friday by 79 countries that are party to the International Criminal Court (ICC), reaffirmed their “unwavering support” for the global tribunal in The Hague.
The declaration came after US President Donald Trump, signed an order to impose sanctions on ICC staff for “illegitimate and baseless actions”, targeting the United States and its ally Israel.
“Such measures increase the risk of impunity for the most serious crimes, and threaten to erode the international rule of law, which is crucial for promoting global order and security,” said the joint statement.
The 79 signatories are among the ICC’s 125 member states. The United States and Israel have never recognized the court’s jurisdiction.
The court is a “a vital pillar of the international justice system,” the statement said, adding that the sanctions could “severely undermine” investigations under way, and lead to the closure of ICC field offices.
GNA