US Sanctions on International Criminal Court

Today, in a historically unprecedented move, the

United States has imposed sanctions on the International Criminal

Court as an institution.

This follows a series of designations against certain

independent judges and prosecutors serving the cause

of justice.

The Court firmly rejects these sanctions.

It is an attack against sovereign states that have

created the Court.

It is an attack against the international legal order

more broadly. It is an attack on the victims of mass

atrocities who have waited years,

sometimes decades, for those responsible to

be held to account.

Every measure taken against the Court is

ultimately felt by those victims.

In the face of such attacks, we cannot remain

indifferent. All of us, including state parties,

have a legal and moral duty to act in

defense of the international order,

to stand up for law, not force.

We'll be judged by history for the

choices we make today.

I pledge to you the International Criminal Court

will continue its work undeterred

with a firm resolve that justice must

prevail.