Annalena Baerbock’s statement comes as the assembly discusses the ICC bill. annual report in light of sanctions imposed this year by the United States on judges and prosecutors.
The sanctions stem from a decree adopted in February in response to a U.N.-backed court’s decision to issue arrest warrants against Israel’s prime minister, and then the defense minister, for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Sanctions may include blocking financial access to property or assets in the United States, as well as a travel ban.
See our explainer on the ICC, here.
Ms. Baerbock recalled that the Court was founded on the principle that “justice is a universal duty” but that its mission remains unaccomplished.
“For more than two decades, the Court has fought against impunity and shown that even in the darkest moments, accountability remains possible,” she said. “Yet today, as we witness atrocities that continue to shock the conscience of humanity, it is clear that the Court’s mission is far from over. »
“Deliberate attacks” on the court
Ms. Baerbock stressed the importance of international cooperation for investigations, arrests and the execution of arrest warrants, as well as the need for independence as a guarantee to ensure that crimes are prosecuted under the Rome Statute, the international treaty that founded the Court.
But the court has not been free of interference, she stressed.
“Justice officials have been sanctioned for defending the rule of law and seeking accountability; and its systems have faced cyberattacks intended to undermine the credibility of the Courtsaid Ms. Baerbock.
“These are not isolated incidents; they are deliberate attacks on the Court that aim to weaken the rule of law and erode trust in international institutions. »
Stop the “bullying” and demand a resolution
THE resolution presented at Tuesday’s meeting stresses that ICC officials should be able to exercise their mandate “without intimidation” and “condemns any threats, attacks or interference against the Court, its staff or those who cooperate with it.”
ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane told delegates that the court’s rulings remind the international community that justice “transcends borders and interests” but that When “judges are pressured, threatened or weakened, the credibility of international law itself is weakened.”
“Attacks, threats and coercive measures against the Court and its officials have persisted and continue to pose a serious threat to the Court’s administration of justice and the global fight against impunity,” she added.
Decisions, repairs
Ms. Akane highlighted the achievements and challenges facing the Court and called on Member States to uphold the international legal system.
She mentioned some key cases before the Court, including individuals accused of serious crimes in Sudan, Afghanistan and Israel, but reiterated that arrest warrants can only be executed with the cooperation of States.
In the year to August, more than 18,000 victims participated in cases brought before the ICC.
“The court gives victims a voice, a space to tell their story and the hope that the truth will be recognized and accountability established.“, said Ms. Akane before emphasizing that reparations are an integral part of the procedure.
She spoke of the Victims Fund set up by members of the ICC as a tool that has produced tangible results – in Uganda for example – where nearly 50,000 victims have received financial reparations for war crimes committed against them.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
