Tokyo Urged to Counter US Pressure on International Criminal Court
International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane stated via video link to reporters in Tokyo that Japan should try to counter US efforts to pressure member states to quit the body. Akane said Tokyo’s financial backing is pivotal to ensuring the court’s survival following US sanctions against her and a senior trial lawyer.
The US Escalation and Sanctions Against ICC Leadership
According to reports, the United States administration intensified its campaign against the Hague-based court by sanctioning Akane and a senior trial lawyer. Washington stated it will step up efforts to persuade other countries to quit the institution. At least five countries have already heeded this call, according to available accounts.
While the United States is not a member of the ICC, the court’s decision to seek an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—a close US ally—alongside a past probe into US troops in Afghanistan, drew the ire of Washington, as noted by observers.
Japan’s Diplomatic Dilemma and Domestic Criticism
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi initially described the latest US move as very unfortunate. However, Takaichi faced criticism from the opposition, human rights groups, and lawmakers from her own party for not defending the court more forcibly, according to local reports.
“Japan has long made the rule of law a cornerstone of its diplomacy. Consequently, both I and the international community hold high expectations for Japan,” Akane said during her address to reporters in Tokyo.
Leveraging Ties to Ensure the Court’s Future Survival
Akane stated that Japan, which joined the ICC in 2007 and serves as its biggest financial backer, should leverage its close ties with the United States to dissuade Washington from taking further escalatory measures. She also called on Tokyo to support neighboring countries that are ICC members to ensure they do not succumb to the new US campaign and decide to withdraw.
“Countries, people and media are saying this is a litmus test for their expectations of Japan… Japan’s strong support for the ICC here will greatly contribute to its future survival,” Akane noted. “This is where the real challenge begins.”
Did you know? The International Criminal Court was established in 2002 by the international community to prosecute war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the United States sanction ICC President Tomoko Akane?
Washington escalated its campaign against the Hague-based court following the ICC’s decision to seek an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and a past probe into US troops in Afghanistan.
What is Japan’s role in the International Criminal Court?
Japan joined the ICC in 2007 and is currently the court’s biggest financial backer. ICC President Tomoko Akane has called on Tokyo to use its diplomatic ties and financial influence to support member states against withdrawal pressures.
Is the United States a member of the ICC?
No, the United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court.
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