US Sanctions On ICC: The conflict between America and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has intensified. Now US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has given a big statement regarding ICC.
The conflict between America and the International Criminal Court (ICC) has once again intensified. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has launched a scathing attack on the ICC, warning of “demolishing it brick by brick”. The US alleges that this court is targeting its allies and soldiers, whereas the purpose of the ICC is to investigate and ensure justice for serious crimes at the international level. This controversy has sparked a new debate regarding global diplomacy and international law.
Why did America appear aggressive regarding ICC?
According to reports, the US is increasing diplomatic pressure on countries that support the ICC. Washington wants countries dependent on US aid or security cooperation to publicly say they will not accept any ICC jurisdiction against US troops and officials.
It is being told that the countries which are reluctant to do so are being given warnings like visa ban, travel ban and economic action. The US itself is not a member of the ICC and has long questioned the jurisdiction of this court.
After all, why is America afraid of ICC?
The differences between the US and ICC are not new. The ICC began investigating alleged war crimes by US troops in Afghanistan during Donald Trump’s first term. After this, the Trump administration had imposed sanctions on some ICC officials.
In recent days, US officials have appealed to various countries to reconsider ICC membership and funding. Meanwhile, some human rights organizations have also raised the demand for investigation of America’s alleged military action in matters related to Iran. However, the US administration has rejected these allegations and said that it has not violated international law.
What is ICC and what cases does it investigate?
The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established in the year 2002 and is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. This court investigates serious international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression.
Currently 124 countries are members of ICC, but America, India, China and Russia are not its members. America says that its soldiers and officers should not face international prosecution for political reasons. Under this thinking, in 2002, America passed the American Service-Members’ Protection Act, the purpose of which was to protect American military personnel from legal action by the ICC.
After Marco Rubio’s recent statement, the increasing conflict between America and ICC can have a big impact on international politics and the global justice system in the future.