I am writing to express my strong opposition to H.R.23 Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act to impose sanctions with respect to the International Criminal Court (ICC) engaged in any effort to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute any protected person of the United States and its allies. This bill undermines the principles of international justice and accountability, values that the U.S. allegedly champions.
Although the U.S. has not ratified the Rome Statute, it has, at times, worked in collaboration with the ICC to address egregious international crimes.
In 2005, the U.S. abstained from vetoing UNSC Resolution 1593, allowing the ICC to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, Sudan.
In 2011, the U.S. supported UNSC Resolution 1970, which referred the Libyan conflict to the ICC, resulting in arrest warrants against Muammar Gaddafi and others for alleged crimes against humanity.
In 2023, the U.S. publicly backed the ICC’s decision to issue arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and others for war crimes related to the deportation of Ukrainian children.
These examples illustrate that the U.S. can find common ground with the ICC when its actions align with American values (and interests).
Imposing sanctions on the ICC jeopardizes global efforts to hold perpetrators of grave crimes accountable. Diplomatic engagement, not punitive measures, is the appropriate response to addressing concerns about the ICC’s operations. By working collaboratively with the ICC, the U.S. can uphold its commitment to justice and ensure that international mechanisms for accountability remain robust and effective.
As an American citizen who values the rule of law and human rights, I urge you to OPPOSE H.R.23 Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act. This will demonstrate our nation’s dedication to justice and its leadership in the global fight against impunity for the most serious crimes.
Thank you for considering my concerns.
First sent on January 4 by Legislation Station
