International Criminal Justice | UNITED STATES

Outrage and deep concern over the United States' Executive Order against the ICC

The Union Internationale des Avocats - Institute for the Rule of Law (UIA-IROL), strongly condemns the 6 February 2025 Executive Order issued by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, which imposes sanctions against the ICC and its officials, including property blocking and visa bans for the persons designated by the Executive Order and their immediate family members. This measure directly threatens the Court’s independence, impartiality, and ability to fulfill its mission.

This decree is the latest in a series of unprecedented attacks aimed at obstructing the Court’s ability to administer justice within its legitimate jurisdiction.

The ICC is mandated to investigate, prosecute, and try individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression—offenses of grave concern to the international community as a whole. While the United States has never ratified the Rome Statute or accepted the Court’s jurisdiction, it has at times acknowledged the ICC’s role in the international legal order and its contribution to global stability and security.

This Executive Order, however, marks a significant escalation, as it imposes severe penalties on individuals engaging with the Court and its personnel. These measures not only undermine the ICC’s authority but also attempt to discourage cooperation with the Court by threatening legal professionals with financial sanctions and travel bans. Moreover, they jeopardize the confidentiality of sensitive information, creating risks to the safety of ICC personnel. The Executive Order directly interferes with the ability of legal professionals to work independently and free from political pressure.

Recognizing the crucial role of the ICC in upholding international justice, the UIA-IROL stands in firm solidarity with the more than 100 States Parties to the Rome Statute, as well as with hundreds of organizations committed to justice and the protection of fundamental rights. We particularly commend the strong support expressed by the 79 states that have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the Court’s continued operation, free from external interference.

The UIA-IROL calls on all states, particularly the Netherlands, to ensure that this Executive Order is not implemented within their jurisdictions, notably by financial institutions, in order to safeguard the independence and proper functioning of the ICC.

The UIA-IROL urges its members and the broader legal community to share this message of support and reaffirm their commitment to international justice, ensuring that all legal professionals can carry out their duties without fear of reprisals.