Didier Reynders concerned about sanctions against International Criminal Court

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Defence Didier Reynders is deeply concerned about the announcement made by the United States regarding unprecedented measures against the International Criminal Court.

Belgium reiterates its unwavering support to the Court, as an independent and impartial judicial institution. The Court embodies the efforts of the international community to develop the rule of law at the international level, an ideal to which the US has a longstanding commitment.

Belgium emphasizes the importance that it attaches to preserving the integrity and the independence of the Court and its staff. Our country wishes to underline the responsibilities of the United States as host country of the United Nations and to stress that visits by members of the Court on the American territory primarily take place in the framework of tasks explicitly entrusted to the Court by the United Nations Security Council.

Belgium will contact its partners without delay to examine the concrete consequences of this announcement.