It Won’t Be Trump Who Kills the ICC

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has long been a thorn in the side of those who believe themselves above the law, including the United States. But as Washington ramps up its aggression towards the court, it’s not Trump or any other Republican official who poses the greatest threat – it’s the alleged supporters of the ICC itself.

For years, the US has tried to undermine the ICC, often with little success. Despite this, the court has continued to operate, issuing warrants and conducting investigations that have earned it prestige and legitimacy in the eyes of those who believe the US is not above accountability. This time feels different, however, as the US imposes unprecedented sanctions on the court’s staff and threatens to dismantle it “brick by brick”.

The expressions of support from primarily European and South American countries are welcome, but they’re not enough. The ICC needs its members to take concrete actions to defend and strengthen it.

The Power of Indifference

One of the most worrying aspects of this crisis is the indifference of the court’s backers. Despite US threats, many states have failed to provide meaningful support to the ICC. Some, like Lebanon, have even considered joining the court but ultimately decided against it. This reluctance to stand up for the ICC is a betrayal of its mission and values.

The EU’s Failure to Act

The European Union has been criticized for its lack of action on behalf of the ICC. Despite having laws that could block the impact of US sanctions on judges, the EU has failed to invoke them. This has left its citizens working at the ICC vulnerable to the whims of the US government.

The Court’s Backers Must Act

It’s time for the ICC’s backers to put their money where their mouth is. States should offer additional financial backing to the court, providing it with the resources it needs to operate effectively. This would be a tangible demonstration of support and a way to counter the US efforts to strangle the institution.

The ICC’s Members Must Stand Up

Ultimately, the survival of the ICC depends on its members standing up for it. If they fail to do so, no amount of lip service or expressions of support will save the court. It will be their indifference that kills the ICC.

As the world watches this crisis unfold, one thing is clear: the ICC’s fate hangs in the balance. Its backers must act now to defend and strengthen it, or risk losing a vital institution that has brought accountability to those who have long been above the law.

The US assault on the ICC is a calculated attempt to silence its supporters and isolate them from the institution. But this will not succeed if states stand up for the court and offer it the support it needs. The choice is clear: will they abandon the ICC or defend it?