Ireland is among a group of 79 states that have issued a joint statement condemning sanctions imposed by US president Donald Trump against the International Criminal Court.
On Thursday, Mr Trump signed an executive order which accuses the International Criminal Court of having “engaged in illegitimate and baseless actions” targeting the US and its “close ally” Israel.
Mr Trump’s executive order said the court had “abused its power” by issuing “baseless” arrest warrants targeting Israel’s prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, and its former defence minister, Yoav Gallant.
The order says the US will impose “tangible and significant consequences” on those responsible for the ICC’s “transgressions.”
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Actions may include blocking property and assets and not allowing ICC officials, employees and relatives to enter the United States.
Responding on Friday, the ICC called on its member states to stand up against sanctions, describing Washington’s move as an attempt to “harm its independent and impartial judicial work”.
It said: “The court stands firmly by its personnel and pledges to continue providing justice and hope to millions of innocent victims of atrocities across the world,” and it urged its 125 member states “to stand united” for justice and human rights.
In the statement, the group of 79 states said they “reaffirm our continued and unwavering support for the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the ICC. The court serves as a vital pillar of the international justice system by ensuring accountability for the most serious international crimes, and justice for victims.”
They said the sanctions imposed by the White House were unprecedented.
“Such measures increase the risk of impunity for the most serious crimes and threaten to erode the international rule of law, which is crucial for promoting global order and security. Moreover, sanctions could jeopardise the confidentiality of sensitive information and the safety of those involved—including victims, witnesses, and court officials, many of whom are our nationals," the statement said.
It is understood that there are about 12 Irish people employed by the International Criminal Court.
“As strong supporters of the ICC, we regret any attempts to undermine the court’s independence, integrity and impartiality. We are committed to ensuring the ICC’s business continuity so that the court can continue to carry out its functions effectively and independently,” the statement added.
“As we collectively strive to uphold international justice, we underscore the ICC’s indispensable role in ending impunity, promoting the rule of law, and fostering lasting respect for international law and human rights.”
The statement in support of the ICC is endorsed by Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jordan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, Netherlands, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, State of Palestine, Sweden, Switzerland, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Kingdom, Uruguay and Vanuatu.
Earlier on Friday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he opposed the move by Mr Trump.
“First of all, Ireland has been a strong supporter of the international courts system and international humanitarian law. I have met [ICC chief prosecutor] Karim Khan and I don’t believe he has any agenda against Israel or against the US,” he said. “It is a serious decision and I would ask that it would be rescinded and withdrawn because we do need international rule of law.
“There are challenges and disputes, that I acknowledge, but I believe the people working in the ICC are acting in good faith and don’t have any agenda against any particular country.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris agreed that Ireland should support the statement by the group of nations criticising the move to sanction the court.
Mr Harris said Mr Trump’s presidency creates “instability”, but added the US leader has a “fondness for Ireland”.
The Tánaiste said an invitation to the White House for St Patrick’s Day has not yet been issued, but he believes one will be sent.
Mr Harris, who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs, said his department is in “full preparatory mode” for any tariffs the US might impose on the EU.
But he said there is a “way forward” if people “keep their head” over the Trump presidency.
“I spoke to President Trump, I spoke to him at the end of November, and I have no doubt that he has a fondness for Ireland, that he understands Ireland and understands the positive contributions that Ireland makes,” he told RTE’s Today with Claire Byrne programme.
“I think we need to take a deep breath in relation to this, and we need to be calm in relation to this too. There’s no doubt there is challenges on the horizon.
“But what have we seen from President Trump in the last number of days? We’ve seen he put tariffs on Mexico and then he paused them.
“We saw he put tariffs on China, and he did proceed with them. We saw he put tariffs on Canada, and then he paused them.
“It certainly creates instability, it certainly creates challenge. But the point I’m making is tariffs are bad for people in the United States of America. They’re bad for many people who voted for President Trump.”
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