In a unified stance against growing political pressure on international justice mechanisms, 48 countries have strongly condemned the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The nations issued a joint statement expressing “deep concern” over Washington’s actions and declared their unwavering support for the court’s independence, reported the Dawn.
The statement read: “We stand with the court and are determined to continue our full support for it so that it can continue to operate independently and effectively.”
The condemnation was voiced during a special session of the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC in response to U.S. sanctions targeting four judges. These sanctions were announced by the Trump administration, which accused the ICC officials of taking “illegitimate and baseless actions” against the United States and its allies, particularly Israel.
Mexico delivered the joint intervention on behalf of the 48 countries, which include nations across Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, such as Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, Finland, Ghana, Ireland, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and many others.
The message was clear: international justice must remain free from political interference. The sanctions have been widely criticized as an attack on the global rule of law and an attempt to shield powerful nations from accountability for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The U.S. move has drawn sharp rebuke from legal experts and human rights advocates, who argue that such pressure undermines the authority of international institutions and the pursuit of justice for victims of grave crimes—including in Gaza, where the ICC is currently investigating possible war crimes.
The collective response by these nations sends a strong signal to Washington and the world: the integrity of international justice must be preserved at all costs.
