FIBGAR signs joint statement in defence of the International Criminal Court
More than 130 civil society organisations from 56 countries, including FIBGAR, as a member of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC), have signed a joint statement calling on States Parties to the ICC to take collective action in response to recent withdrawals from the Rome Statute and growing attacks against the Court.
In recent months, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Venezuela and Chad have formally notified the United Nations of their decisions to withdraw from the Rome Statute. At the same time, the United States has intensified its pressure against the ICC and its independence, including through additional sanctions and diplomatic efforts aimed at encouraging States to withdraw from the Rome Statute.
The signatory organisations warn that these developments threaten to weaken the international justice system and may increase the risk of impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Withdrawals may also undermine cooperation with the Court, including access to victims and witnesses and the arrest and surrender of suspects.
In response, the statement calls for urgent and coordinated action by States Parties and regional organisations to defend the Rome Statute system, prevent further withdrawals and ensure that the ICC can continue to carry out its work independently.
The statement also stresses that legitimate concerns regarding fairness and selectivity in international justice must be addressed through dialogue and cooperation, rather than through unilateral withdrawals.
For the signatory organisations, victims and survivors must remain at the centre of these efforts, with meaningful progress towards accountability, truth and reparations.
The statement recalls the commitment made almost three decades ago in Rome: that impunity for the most serious international crimes should no longer be the norm.
Through its signature, FIBGAR reaffirms its commitment to international justice, the fight against impunity and the rights of victims.
