Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) defended the International Criminal Court (ICC) against recent serious allegations made by the US government. Speaking to the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland,” Wadephul stated, “For me, it is clear: the International Criminal Court makes the world safer and more just.” He emphasized that the ICC uncovers the most heinous crimes against humanity, such as the recruitment of child soldiers in civil wars, and holds those responsible for the gravest offenses accountable, fulfilling its intended purpose. While acknowledging that imperfections exist in any institution-which can certainly be criticized-he stressed that these shortcomings should not be used as grounds to fundamentally question this crucial achievement. On the contrary, he added, “It is centrally important to defend and protect the International Criminal Court as an independent institution.” He affirmed that the German government stands firmly in support of the system of international courts, as well as the rule-based international order. This defense comes in the context of strong criticism from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who sharply attacked the ICC, which handles issues of international law and war crimes. Rubio accused the tribunal of interfering in the domestic affairs of the United States and claimed the court was waging “war” against the US. Furthermore, media reports indicated that the US government is considering sanctions against states that do not withdraw from the ICC.
Politics
