ICC condemns sanctions by Donald Trump, pledges to continue its work

Sub: IR

Sec: Int org

Context:

The International Criminal Court (ICC) condemned the U.S. sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump, calling them an attempt to harm the court’s ability to administer justice and protect innocent lives.
The sanctions followed an ICC arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Background of US Sanctions:

U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the ICC following its investigation into alleged war crimes by U.S. service members and Israeli troops. The sanctions included asset freezes and travel bans on ICC officials and their families.
The U.S. and Israel are not members of the ICC and do not recognize its authority.
The European Union, traditionally an ally of the U.S., voiced strong support for the ICC, condemning the sanctions as a threat to the court’s independence and international justice.

About ICC:

The International Criminal Court (ICC), located in the Hague, Netherlands is the court of last resort for prosecution of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
It is the first permanent, treaty based, international criminal court established to help end impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.
Its founding treaty, the Rome Statute, entered into force on July 1, 2002.
Funding: Although the Court’s expenses are funded primarily by States Parties, it also receives voluntary contributions from governments, international organisations, individuals, corporations and other entities.

Composition and voting power:

The Court’s management oversight and legislative body, the Assembly of States Parties, consists of one representative from each state party.
Each state party has one vote and “every effort” has to be made to reach decisions by consensus. If consensus cannot be reached, decisions are made by vote.
The Assembly is presided over by a president and two vice-presidents, who are elected by the members to three-year terms.

Membership:

123 countries are currently members of the ICC, with African countries making up the largest bloc.
Notably, India, China, Iraq, North Korea and Turkey never signed the Rome Statute.
Others including the US, Russia, Israel and Syria signed, but never ratified.