UN experts decry US and Israeli rejection of ICC
ICC seen as a threat to Israeli impunity
GENEVA 10 May 2024 UN experts today expressed utter dismay over statements made by United States and Israeli officials rejecting the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The US has long opposed the ICC, and in 2020 imposed sanctions on ICC staff investigating alleged war crimes committed by US troops in Afghanistan. Israel has also been highly critical of the ICC, and in 2021 announced that it would not cooperate with an ICC investigation into alleged war crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territories.
UN experts said that the rejection of the ICC by the US and Israel sends a dangerous message that they are above the law. They noted that the ICC is a court of last resort, and that it only investigates crimes when national courts are unable or unwilling to do so.
The experts also expressed concern that the US and Israeli rejection of the ICC could embolden other countries to commit war crimes and other atrocities, knowing that they will not be held accountable.
ICC could end decades of impunity
The International Criminal Court (ICC) could end decades of impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide by holding perpetrators accountable. The ICC is a court of last resort, and only investigates crimes when national courts are unable or unwilling to do so.
The ICC has been criticized by some countries, including the United States and Israel, who argue that it is biased against them. However, the ICC has also been praised by many human rights groups, who see it as an essential tool for promoting justice and ending impunity.
The ICC is currently investigating war crimes in several countries, including Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan. The ICC has also issued arrest warrants for several individuals, including former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and former Lord's Resistance Army leader Joseph Kony.
ICC prosecutors request arrest warrants for three Palestinian rights groups
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutors office said on Monday said it had requested arrest warrants for three Palestinian rights groups. The groups are accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the 2014 Gaza war.
The ICC prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said in a statement that the groups had "intentionally targeted civilians" and had "committed serious crimes against humanity." The groups are accused of firing rockets into Israel and of using human shields.
The Palestinian rights groups have denied the charges. They say that they are being targeted by the ICC because they are critical of Israel. The groups have also accused the ICC of bias against Palestinians.
The ICC prosecutor's request for arrest warrants is a significant development. It is the first time that the ICC has sought to prosecute Palestinians for war crimes. The request is likely to further escalate tensions between Israel and the ICC.
Conclusion
The US and Israeli rejection of the ICC is a dangerous development. It sends a message that they are above the law, and could embolden other countries to commit war crimes and other atrocities. The ICC is a vital tool for promoting justice and ending impunity, and its rejection by the US and Israel is a blow to the cause of international justice.
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