Open Invitation to Sign and Join
The International Criminal Court (ICC) constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of the international justice system. The independence of its judiciary, and its ability to exercise its mandate free from pressure, threats, or sanctions, are indispensable prerequisites for upholding the rule of law and combating impunity.
In light of the escalating unilateral sanctions and restrictive measures imposed upon judges of the Court, its Prosecutor, and members of its staff solely for carrying out their judicial and statutory functions, such measures constitute a grave infringement of the independence of international justice and pose a direct threat to the international criminal justice system, as well as to the principles enshrined in the Rome Statute and international law.
Accordingly, and in recognition of our legal and moral responsibility to safeguard judicial independence, we hereby announce the launch of the International Initiative for the Defence of the International Criminal Court and Its Judges Subjected to Unilateral Sanctions. The Initiative seeks to unite judges, lawyers, academics, legal institutions, and civil society organisations in a common effort to strengthen the legal and institutional protection of the Court, defend its judges and officials, and mobilise international support for its independence.
This Initiative is not intended as a defence of particular individuals. Rather, it is a defence of a fundamental principle: the right of international courts and tribunals to discharge their judicial functions independently, impartially, and free from political pressure, coercive measures, or sanctions.
We therefore invite all judges and members of the judiciary; lawyers and Bar Associations; law professors, legal scholars, and researchers; legal and human rights institutions; civil society organisations; Members of Parliament and public figures; and all those who believe in the rule of law and international justice, to join this Initiative, endorse it by signing, support its objectives, and contribute to expanding its international reach.
To review the full text of the Initiative, its objectives, and the procedures for joining, please refer to the accompanying detailed document and add your name to the list of signatories in support of this international initiative.
International justice is a shared responsibility, and safeguarding the independence of international justice is a collective duty that admits of no compromise.