Statement by Jean-Yves Le Drian – Announcement of U.S. sanctions against the International Criminal Court (12 Jun. 2020)
- France was disturbed to learn of the Executive Order issued by the United States Government on June 11 authorizing sanctions against International Criminal Court (ICC) personnel and individuals cooperating with it, which could affect government officials. This decision represents a serious attack on the Court and the States Parties to the Rome Statute, and beyond that, a challenge to multilateralism and judicial independence.
France reiterates its full support for the International Criminal Court. The Court is the only permanent international criminal court with a universal vocation. For this reason, it plays a vital role in the fight against impunity for the perpetrators of the most serious crimes. It therefore responds to the need for justice for the victims of those crimes and contributes to international peace and stability.
France will strive to ensure that the Court is able to fulfill its mission in an independent and impartial manner, in accordance with the Rome Statute.
It calls on the United States to refrain from implementing the measures announced with respect to the Court and to withdraw them.
Site of consulate General of France in Erbil