Australia Joins Global Coalition in Support of International Criminal Court Australia has joined a group of 93 nations in a joint statement expressing support for the International Criminal Court (ICC). The statement, issued on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, comes amidst ongoing tensions between the ICC and several countries, including the United States and Russia. The statement recognizes the ICC’s role as an independent and impartial court that complements national justice systems and ensures accountability for the most serious international crimes. It also stresses the importance of the court’s impartiality, integrity, and independence. “Australia is committed to a rules-based international order and to the respect and upholding of international law,” said Foreign Minister Marise Payne. “The ICC plays a vital role in providing accountability for crimes that shock the conscience of humanity, and we stand by its mission.” The statement was initiated by the Netherlands and co-sponsored by countries from all regions. It reflects the broad-based support for the ICC among the international community. “This joint statement is a powerful demonstration of the global commitment to the rule of law and to holding individuals accountable for their crimes,” said ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan. “It sends a clear message that supporting the ICC is supporting international justice and preventing impunity.” The ICC is the world’s only permanent international court that has jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. It was established in 2002, and its membership has grown to 123 countries. The statement comes at a critical time for the ICC. The United States has imposed sanctions on ICC officials, and several countries have withdrawn from the court’s jurisdiction. However, the statement demonstrates that the ICC continues to enjoy strong support from a majority of the international community. “The ICC is an essential part of the international justice system,” said ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmanski. “Its existence sends a clear message that the world will not tolerate the most serious crimes and that impunity will not be allowed.”Australia Joins International Statement Supporting International Criminal CourtAustralia Joins International Statement Supporting International Criminal Court Australia has become one of 93 countries to sign a statement in support of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The move was announced by Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Saturday, after an initiative by Belgium, Jordan, Chile, Senegal, and Slovenia. Statement Reaffirms Independence of ICC The statement emphasizes the commitment of the signatories to the independence of the ICC, its officials, and its staff. It states that these individuals should carry out their duties “without intimidation.” ICC as a Key International Institution The ICC is described in the statement as “the world’s first and only permanent international criminal court” and a crucial part of the global peace and security architecture. The signatories call on all states to fully cooperate with the court to ensure its ability to investigate and prosecute serious crimes that threaten international peace and security. Rome Statute and ICC Establishment The Rome Statute, which established the ICC in 1998, is mentioned in the statement. It highlights Australia’s commitment to the principles enshrined in the statute. Australia’s Previous Stance on ICC Earlier this month, Senator Wong defended Australia’s vote in support of Palestine at the United Nations and the role of the ICC. She explained that the vote was consistent with Australia’s long-standing position on the conflict. Opposition’s Criticism of ICC Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has previously criticized the ICC, calling for a boycott of the court and accusing it of anti-Semitism after its chief prosecutor sought arrest warrants for Israeli officials. Government’s Response to Opposition Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that Australia became a party to the Rome Statute under former Liberal Prime Minister John Howard. He declined to speculate on hypothetical scenarios regarding the possibility of Australia withdrawing from the court. Ongoing Conflict in Israel-Palestine The statement coincides with the ongoing conflict in Israel-Palestine. According to local authorities, Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1,200 casualties. Israel’s counter-offensive in Gaza has claimed over 35,000 lives, and many more Palestinians face starvation due to restrictions on aid flow.Australia Joins Global Coalition Supporting International Criminal Court Ninety-three countries, including Australia, have come together to support the work of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This show of support comes amid growing concerns over the Court’s independence and effectiveness. The countries, representing all regions of the world, issued a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to the ICC’s mission of holding individuals accountable for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Australia’s Foreign Minister, Marise Payne, stated, “Australia remains a strong supporter of the ICC as an essential institution in promoting international peace and security.” She emphasized the Court’s role in preventing and punishing the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. The declaration follows recent challenges to the ICC’s jurisdiction and authority by some powerful countries, including the United States and Russia. However, the vast majority of the international community has remained steadfast in its support for the Court. The ICC is an independent, international court established in 2002 to investigate and prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It is the only court with the mandate to prosecute individuals for these crimes where national courts are unable or unwilling to do so. The show of support from 93 countries demonstrates the continued need for an international mechanism to hold individuals accountable for the most serious crimes and to prevent their recurrence.