South Africa has expressed its “deep concern” at the recent U.S. decision to sanction four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling it a “direct affront” to the principles of global justice and law.
“These measures, in addition to those imposed earlier on the Prosecutor, represent a direct affront to the principles of international justice and the rule of law,” the Department of International Relations And Cooperation said in a statement Wednesday night.
“Such punitive actions against judicial officers performing their mandated duties are regrettable and they undermine the independence of the ICC and threaten the integrity of international legal institutions,” the statement said. “They furthermore hinder the Court and its personnel in the exercise of their independent judicial functions.”
The department said that South Africa, as a founding member of the ICC, views these sanctions and previous threats as an attempt to intimidate and obstruct the court’s efforts to hold perpetrators of the most serious crimes accountable.
“The imposition of sanctions on ICC judges sets a dangerous precedent that could embolden those who seek to evade accountability for egregious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. It also poses a significant challenge to the global fight against impunity and the enforcement of international norms,” the statement said.
South Africa will continue to work with like-minded nations to safeguard the integrity of international legal institutions, the DIRCO statement said.
“The pursuit of justice for victims of the gravest crimes must not be compromised by political considerations,” it added. “Upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability are essential for the maintenance of international peace and security as well as a rules-based international order based on international law.”
Washington last week imposed sanctions on four ICC judges, who were targeted for their engagement in ICC actions against the United States or Israel, according to a statement from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
South Africa reported Israel to the International Court of Justice in 2023, requesting the court to declare Israel’s attacks on Palestine as genocide, prohibit further military action, and ensure humanitarian assistance for those in need. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
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