It won’t be Trump who kills the ICC

What the report says

Al Jazeera published an opinion piece arguing that the International Criminal Court is facing a serious threat from the United States, but that the court’s survival will depend largely on whether its member states actively defend it. The article says Washington’s hostility toward the ICC reflects a desire to avoid accountability, and describes recent US sanctions and threats against court officials as an escalation that could weaken the institution.

The piece, written by Mark Kersten, says supporters of the ICC should respond with practical steps rather than statements of concern. It recommends that member states deepen cooperation with ongoing investigations, encourage new countries to join the court, provide more flexible funding, and protect ICC staff from the effects of US sanctions. It also points to European and Canadian laws that could help shield sanctioned court personnel, while noting that these tools have not been fully used.

The article places the debate in the broader context of ICC work in places including Ukraine, Palestine and Darfur. It also mentions recent withdrawals by Venezuela and Chad, which the author links to pressure from Washington. More generally, the commentary argues that the court should be reformed and supported rather than abandoned, because it remains the only permanent tribunal aimed at prosecuting genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.