Khaberni - The European Union's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the international legal system is being "assaulted" and the Union is exploring options to support the International Criminal Court during "this difficult period".
The United States imposed sanctions earlier this year on 6 judges and 3 prosecutors of the International Criminal Court, including the chief prosecutor who temporarily stepped down in May amid a United Nations investigation into allegations of his sexual misconduct. Washington is also considering imposing sanctions on the entire court.
Kallas noted that "there is a widespread attack against the international legal system, human rights, internationally agreed norms, and the institutions we have established to enforce them."
She added that the European Union has a long-standing and strong policy of supporting the International Criminal Court, but the Union has "its own problems" as well.
All member states of the European Union are members of the International Criminal Court, but Hungary is on its way to withdrawing.
Kallas said, "One of the member states has announced its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, but all member states are legally bound by the decisions taken by the Council (Council of the European Union), including the decision to support the International Criminal Court, including in the event of withdrawal", which means that Hungary will still be bound by the Council's decision to support the International Criminal Court after its intended withdrawal as a member of the Court.
The foreign policy chief continued that the bloc is exploring ways to assist the Court.
She stated, "We are currently exploring all available options in Brussels, including specific mitigation measures, on how to make this support significant for the International Criminal Court during this difficult period."
Earlier, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, which the International Justice Organization described as a concerning setback in the fight against impunity in the Sahel region and the world.
