Govt condemns U.S. sanctions on ICC Judges
The South African government has expressed grave concern over the recent U.S. sanctions imposed on four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
These measures, announced by US President President Donald Trump, include asset freezes and travel bans targeting ICC officials involved in investigations concerning U.S. citizens and allies, notably Israel.
In a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), spokesperson Chrispin Phiri emphasized that such actions undermine the principles of international justice and the rule of law.
"We believe that the designated multilateral institutions must enforce international law, and undermining these institutions circumvents the basis of international law and its efficacy.
"South Africa, a founding member of the ICC and a signatory to the Rome Statute, views these sanctions as an attempt to intimidate and obstruct the Court's efforts to hold perpetrators of the most serious crimes accountable.
"The country reaffirms its commitment to the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute and continues to work with like-minded nations to safeguard the integrity of international legal institutions."
The U.S. sanctions have drawn criticism from various international bodies and countries, including members of the European Union and 79 other ICC member states.
These nations have expressed concern that such measures could embolden those seeking to evade accountability for egregious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
DIRCO says South Africa remains steadfast in its support for the ICC and its mandate to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression when national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable to do so.
ALSO READ
