The United States has launched a new campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court (ICC), according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In a statement last week, Rubio said the US would use “every tool” to systematically disable the ICC’s ability to operate or target American officials. He described the court as a threat to US sovereignty.
The announcement marks an escalation of US actions against the ICC. Last year, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on 11 ICC officials, including eight judges, the chief prosecutor, and two deputy prosecutors. The US also sanctioned UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and three Palestinian human rights groups for their work on alleged crimes by Israeli forces.
The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, was established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. It has 125 member states. The US is not a member.
The article notes that the court’s member states have been slow to respond to US pressure. Some observers say the ICC faces its gravest crisis since its founding. The court’s supporters argue that the US campaign undermines international justice and the sovereignty of member states.
Rubio’s statement said the campaign would be a “whole-of-government response” to protect American sovereignty. The US has long criticized the ICC for investigating US and allied personnel, particularly in Afghanistan and Palestine.
The ICC has not yet responded to the latest US announcement. The court previously condemned the sanctions as an attack on its independence.