Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
A statement was issued in Brussels by the office of EU Foreign Policy Coordinator Kaya Kallas regarding the US sanctions imposed on the two Deputy Prosecutors and two judges at the International Criminal Court. The statement, a copy of which was received, read: "The European Union affirms its unwavering support for the International Criminal Court (ICC), based in The Hague, Netherlands. The ICC is a cornerstone of international justice and the fight against impunity, holding perpetrators of the world's most serious crimes accountable and providing victims with a voice.
The European Union reiterates its deep regret at the decision to impose sanctions on the two Deputy Prosecutors and two judges at the ICC. This decision could impact the work of the Office of the Prosecutor and ongoing investigations.
Attacks or threats against the Court, its elected officials, staff, and those cooperating with it are unacceptable. The ICC must be able to operate independently and impartially.
The European Union will provide full support and assistance to ensure the protection of the Court and its staff from external pressure or threats. We call on all states to ensure full cooperation with the Court, including in implementation. The European Union remains committed to working with all States Parties and partners around the world to support the Court and to uphold its independence, respect for its independence, and the integrity of the Rome Statute. We are monitoring the effects of the executive order and will assess possible further steps.
Two days ago, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said that the United States' imposition of further sanctions against judges and prosecutors at the International Criminal Court should prompt the international community to take measures to protect them. He stressed the need to halt the ongoing escalation of US retaliatory measures against international institutions and their staff.
In a press statement, Türk described "punishing judges and prosecutors at the national, regional, or international levels for carrying out their mandate in accordance with international law standards as an assault on the rule of law and an undermining of justice."
The High Commissioner called for the lifting of the sanctions imposed on the two judges and two prosecutors designated last Wednesday, as well as on the four other judges and prosecutor previously designated, as well as the special rapporteur appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. Regarding the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Volkla Türk also called on States to take immediate steps to protect all these individuals, including measures to encourage bodies operating within their jurisdiction not to apply sanctions against them.
He concluded his statement by saying, "States must stand up to defend the institutions they established to uphold and protect human rights and the rule of law. Those working to document, investigate, and prosecute serious violations of international law should not have to operate in fear."