The President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Tomoko Akane, has raised concerns about the increasing number of arrest warrants issued by the court that remain unenforced.
According to her, this situation is particularly troubling given the reluctance of some countries to cooperate with the ICC.
The number of outstanding arrest warrants continues to grow, which is a cause for concern. Some State Parties host individuals wanted by the Court, while others do not cooperate with us at all, Akane stated during the opening of the 23rd session of the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC in The Hague.
The judge urged the signatories of the Rome Statute to adhere strictly to their obligations. She emphasized that public disregard for the ICC’s decisions and legal interpretations undermines the legitimacy and authority of the Court and jeopardizes the interests of State Parties in upholding international law.
In late November, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip. The Court also rejected Israel’s arguments challenging the ICC’s jurisdiction over its citizens and the investigation of the situation in Palestine.
