RismadarVoice Reporters
September 4, 2026
Leaders of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) governing body have warned that efforts to isolate the court could undermine confidence in the international legal system.
The current president of the ICC Assembly of States Parties, Paivi Kaukoranta, and seven former presidents issued the warning in a joint opinion piece, arguing that attempts to pressure countries to withdraw from the Rome Statute or weaken support for the court threaten the broader framework of international justice.
The officials said the ICC represents a collective decision by sovereign states to establish a legal mechanism for prosecuting genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
“The ICC is a court of last resort,” they said, stressing that the institution is not designed to replace national judicial systems.
They also rejected claims that international courts weaken national sovereignty, saying countries that join international treaties and institutions are exercising sovereignty rather than surrendering it.
The statement comes amid growing tensions between the ICC and the administration of US President Donald Trump, which has imposed sanctions on ICC judges and officials and encouraged countries to distance themselves from the court.
The United States, which is not a member of the ICC, has opposed the court’s cases involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and previous investigations involving US personnel.
However, the ICC leaders said the issue extends beyond individual cases, warning against a situation where political influence determines when international law is applied.
“The choice before us is between a world based on the rule of law and one where might decides what is right,” they wrote.
They called on the ICC’s 125 member states, international organisations and supporters of international law to provide political, legal and practical support to the court.
The dispute comes as Washington has also taken steps to reduce its involvement with several international organisations, including ending participation in the UN Human Rights Council, halting funding for UNRWA and withdrawing from UNESCO and the World Health Organisation.
US officials have defended the moves as necessary to protect American interests and sovereignty, while critics argue that they could weaken global cooperation on international issues.
