International Criminal Court at The Hague
Credit: Tony Webster [CC BY 2.0]

The US Department of State has announced that it is escalating its legal and political campaign against the Court, with the stated aim of “dismantling” the institution “brick by brick” according to a statement issued by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio in July.

The ICCL states in its letter that the ICC is a cornerstone of the international rule of law, accountability and respect for human rights. For many survivors of the gravest human rights violations, it has offered the only avenue to justice and remedy and its continued existence and effectiveness stand as a deterrent against further atrocities.

While the EU has continued to support the ICC politically and financially, the measures to date have not matched the scale of the US sanctions. As the foreign affairs and defence ministers gather in Wicklow, ICCL alongside colleagues across the world urge Ireland to lead the EU in taking a number of steps, which include activating the EU’s Blocking Statute, which would protect individuals and organisations targeted by US sanctions.

Ireland is currently campaigning for membership of the UN Human Rights Council, with a particular emphasis on promoting and protecting civil society space and human rights defenders. It is thus a particularly important and opportune time to show international leadership to protect vital international human rights institutions, such as the ICC and those who cooperate with it.