Madrid hosts a debate on sanctions against the International Criminal Court and the defence of international justice
On 25 June, the Ateneo de Madrid hosted a day of reflection and dialogue entitled “Sanctions against the International Criminal Court”, organised by Eumans with the support of FIBGAR, alongside No Peace Without Justice and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court.
The event brought together representatives from the legal, institutional and civil society sectors to analyse the consequences that sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC) may have on international judicial independence, the fight against impunity and the future of the international justice system.
The event was attended by Solomy Balungi Bossa, judge at the International Criminal Court; Baltasar Garzón, president of FIBGAR; and Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Member of the European Parliament and chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs for several parliamentary terms. The speakers addressed the challenges faced by international institutions responsible for investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes affecting the international community.
During the debate, it was emphasised that sanctions directed against international judicial bodies or against individuals performing judicial functions can seriously undermine these institutions’ ability to act independently. It was also stressed that any attempt to obstruct international investigations or judicial proceedings has a direct impact on the rights of victims and on global efforts to ensure accountability.
Participants agreed on the importance of preserving the autonomy and legitimacy of the International Criminal Court as a fundamental institution for the protection of human rights and the prosecution of international crimes. In this regard, it was noted that the ICC plays an essential role when national systems are unable or unwilling to adequately investigate and prosecute particularly serious crimes.
Another key focus of the event was an analysis of the role of the European Union in relation to extraterritorial sanctions affecting individuals and institutions linked to international justice. Speakers reflected on the need to strengthen legal and political protection mechanisms to ensure that judges, prosecutors, judicial staff and organisations collaborating with international justice can carry out their work without undue pressure or interference.
The debate highlighted the importance of a coordinated response by Member States and European institutions to uphold the rule of law, judicial independence and the rules-based international legal order. It also emphasised the need to strengthen support for international justice mechanisms as an indispensable tool for combating impunity and protecting victims of serious human rights violations.
Through this event, the organising organisations reaffirmed their commitment to defending international justice and promoting forums for dialogue that help to strengthen the institutions responsible for ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the current challenges facing international justice and on the measures needed to preserve its independence, effectiveness and legitimacy in an increasingly complex global context.
