Ahead of Jetten’s UN address, worries about ICC sanctions

As Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten prepares to speak at the United Nations General Assembly, reports suggest the United States plans to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). This comes after the U.S. sanctioned thirteen ICC staff members, including the court's president, in connection with investigations into alleged Israeli war crimes.

Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Berendsen, also heading to New York, is scheduled to meet with world leaders to discuss the ICC and the conflict in Ukraine. While Jetten will not address specific ICC matters during his address, he is obligated as the host state to support the court by aiding security, visa facilitation, and transportation for defendants and witnesses.

Some opposition parties in the Netherlands argue the current government stance on the ICC is too weak, but Berendsen claims Dutch efforts have helped the court maintain its operations.