Statement of the International Criminal Court concerning recent threats made against staff and their families

The International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "the Court") has taken note of recent statements alluding to possible sanctions against Court officials and staff and their families.

The Court stands firmly by all its officials and staff, who perform, with integrity and dedication, essential duties for the ICC's mandate on behalf of its 123 States Parties, which hail from all regions of the world.

As an independent and impartial judicial institution, the ICC and its organs act strictly within the mandate bestowed upon them by the Rome Statute, the ICC's founding treaty. Safeguarding judicial and prosecutorial independence is fundamental to the successful discharge of that mandate.

The Court remains firmly committed to its mandate of fighting impunity for the world's gravest crimes, contributing to their prevention, and providing justice to victims. It does so on the basis of jurisdiction that is complementary to that of States, which have primary responsibility for genuinely investigating and prosecuting Rome Statute crimes.

In the exercise of its functions, the Court relies on the staunch and consistent support of its States Parties.

For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: [email protected]

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