Dutch PM and EU President defend ICC at UN General Assembly

During the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and European Union Council President Antonio Costa issued strong defenses of the International Criminal Court (ICC) against recent pressures and threats.

Jetten warned that the international legal order is under increasing pressure, stating that attempts to undermine the ICC affect the entire global legal framework. He called for an end to interference with the court and its members, noting that the ICC was established to prevent impunity. Jetten also highlighted the need to combat impunity regarding the war in Ukraine and addressed humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan.

Antonio Costa echoed these sentiments, describing threats and attacks against the ICC and its officials as unacceptable. He emphasized that upholding international law is a responsibility rather than an option and asserted that accountability should not be subject to political considerations. Costa also advocated for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to make it more inclusive and democratic, while calling for an end to conflicts in both Ukraine and the Middle East.