This year, Washington lashed out against judges and prosecutors of the ICC after it issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

The ICC is also overseeing a 2020 case concerning alleged crimes committed in Afghanistan by US and Afghan military forces.

In a statement, the Court emphasized that these sanctions are “a clear attempt to undermine the independence of a judicial institution that operates under the mandate of 125 states from all corners of the world.”

During the presentation of a report by that body, Baerbock pointed out that the court was founded on the principle that “justice is a universal duty” and recalled that, even in the darkest moments, accountability remains possible.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of cooperation to ensure respect for investigations, arrests, the execution of court orders, and independence as a guarantee that crimes are prosecuted under the Rome Statute.

While we witness atrocities that continue to shock the conscience of humanity, it is clear that the Court’s mission is far from being fulfilled, he indicated.

The deliberate attacks against it are aimed at weakening the rule of law and eroding trust in international institutions, he added.

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