Author: Nadiya Volkova, founder and director of the Ukrainian Legal Advisory Group ULAG in Kyiv
After requesting arrest warrants for the leaders of Hamas and Israel, Republicans want to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court. But remember how the tribunal is fighting for justice for Ukraine.
I work with victims of crimes in Ukraine to achieve justice. That is why I am closely watching how the recent request by the ICC prosecutor for arrest warrants for Hamas and Israeli leaders could affect U.S. support for the court.
Last month, ICC Prosecutor Kareem Khan filed an application for arrest warrants for Hamas representative Yahya Sinwar and Israeli officials Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister, Yoav Gallant, Defence Minister, and others.
The submission came amid threats by US senators against the international tribunal. On Tuesday, the US House of Representatives voted to impose sanctions on the ICC and its staff. What will the Senate do?
The White House has stated that it will not support the actions of the Republican-led Congress against the ICC.
Nevertheless, I fear that in the coming days even more extreme legislation will be passed that will end US support for the war crimes court. This would be an affront to war crimes victims like those I work with in Ukraine. It would also be terrible for the credibility of the US in the eyes of public opinion.
Nevertheless, I fear that in the coming days even more extreme legislation will be passed that will end US support for the war crimes court. This would be an affront to war crimes victims like those I work with in Ukraine. It would also be terrible for the credibility of the United States in the eyes of public opinion.
The United States is not a member of the ICC and has had a difficult relationship with the international tribunal for many years. This is partly due to fears that ICC investigations into Afghanistan and Palestine could affect American and Israeli troops.
06.06.2024
