HRW calls on ICC member states to counter threats to the court

Human Rights Watch has urged member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to address mounting threats against the tribunal ahead of the ICC’s annual Assembly of States Parties in The Hague.

The organisation warned that the court has faced “extreme pressure” since judges issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif. Threats include proposed sanctions by US legislators targeting ICC officials and those cooperating with the court.

“ICC warrants, whether against Vladimir Putin or Benjamin Netanyahu, send a critical message that no one is above the law,” said Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch.

She added that ICC member states must use their annual meeting to pledge strong measures ensuring the court’s essential work for justice proceeds without interference.