ICC urges Japan to counter US campaign against court

Tokyo: In a plea for assistance, the head of the International Criminal Court (ICC) urged Japan, the court's largest financial contributor, to counter the United States' campaign to have member countries withdraw from the body. The American administration intensified its opposition to the Hague-based court last week by targeting its president and a senior trial lawyer with sanctions.

The Trump administration also plans to heighten efforts to persuade other nations to abandon the institution. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi acknowledged the move as "very unfortunate" but faced backlash from opposition parties, human rights organizations, and some of her own party members for not defending the court more resolutely.

Speaking through a video call to journalists in Tokyo, Tomoko Akane, the ICC's head, called on Japan to aid it during this trying time. Japan, a significant financial supporter of the court, has been a key pillar in the institution's foundation, according to Akane. She emphasized that Japan, alongside neighboring countries, should bolster those that are ICC members, preventing them from succumbing to the new US strategy and deciding to leave the ICC.

The ICC was founded in 2002 by the global community to address war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. While the US is not a member, the court's decision to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a US ally, and its previous investigation into US troops in Afghanistan has triggered American disapproval.

Akane stressed that Japan, a member since 2007, could utilize its strong ties with the US to dissuade Washington from escalating further. She stated that Japan's unwavering support for the ICC would significantly contribute to its continued existence.