Eight countries have condemned the United States’ planned sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), warning that the measures could significantly disrupt the court’s work, affect its staff and families, and undermine efforts to deliver justice to victims of serious international crimes.
In a joint statement dated October 9, 2026, the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their commitment to the independence, impartiality and integrity of the ICC.
The eight countries, all parties to the Rome Statute that established the court, said they regretted and strongly disagreed with Washington’s announcement to impose sanctions on the institution.
“As committed supporters of the ICC we regret and strongly disagree with the announcement of sanctions to be imposed upon the Court by the United States,” the ministers said.
They warned that if implemented, the sanctions would have a significant impact on the court’s operations and the people who work to bring those accused of the most serious international crimes to justice.
The ministers also expressed concern about the potential consequences for staff members’ families and the court’s efforts to support victims of atrocities.
Despite the anticipated challenges, the eight countries welcomed preparations undertaken by the ICC to mitigate the effects of the sanctions and enable it to continue fulfilling its mandate under the Rome Statute.
They pledged to maintain their support for the court and work together to protect its ability to pursue accountability for international crimes.
The statement also emphasised the need for constructive and inclusive dialogue with countries that are not parties to the Rome Statute, as preparations continue for the Assembly of States Parties scheduled for December 2026.
The ministers said their cooperation would remain focused on supporting the court’s work, upholding the rules-based international system and advancing accountability.
US-ICC Dispute
The joint statement comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and the ICC following the Trump administration’s announcement of new sanctions against the court.
The United States has repeatedly opposed ICC investigations that it considers an infringement on its sovereignty, particularly those involving American nationals and Israeli officials.
Washington is not a party to the Rome Statute and argues that the court should not exercise jurisdiction over American citizens without US consent. The ICC, however, maintains that its jurisdiction applies in circumstances provided for under international law, including alleged crimes committed on the territory of a state party.
The ICC prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. It operates under the principle of complementarity, meaning it generally intervenes when national authorities are unwilling or unable genuinely to investigate or prosecute the crimes within its jurisdiction.
The latest sanctions have raised concerns among the court’s supporters about potential disruptions to its financial transactions, access to services and cooperation with organisations that support its investigations.
The European Union has separately condemned the US move and called for the measures to be reversed, arguing that the court must be able to operate independently and without external pressure.
The growing international opposition places renewed focus on the future of the ICC and the ability of its member states to protect international criminal justice amid political tensions with Washington.
The December Assembly of States Parties is expected to provide a platform for member states to discuss the court’s operations, its challenges and continued international cooperation in pursuing accountability for serious crimes.