Luxembourg Reaffirms Full Support for International Criminal Court

Luxembourg has reaffirmed its full support for the International Criminal Court (ICC).

As the first permanent international criminal court, the ICC represents one of the most important advances in the development of international criminal justice and the fight against impunity for the most serious crimes: the crime of genocide, the crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. The Luxembourg government, represented by Minister of European and Foreign Affairs Jean Asselborn, therefore considers the court to be an essential element of a multilateral system based on respect for the rule of law.

Last week, the Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved the draft law approving amendments to Article 8 of the Rome Statute, adding three war crimes and thus demonstrating the commitment of Luxembourg in support of the essential work of the ICC. Luxembourg has also maintained its commitment to the universal promotion of the Rome Statute and welcomes in this context the accession of Malaysia on 4 March. The Rome Statute thus has 124 State Members.

At the same time, the government has expressed deep concern about the attacks on the ICC. While noting that the decision to join the Rome Statute is a sovereign appreciation of the states, Luxembourg regrets the recent US government announcement of visa restrictions for ICC staff. Such a decision risks undermining the independence of the Court and making its work more difficult.

The Luxembourg government has therefore reiterated its unwavering support for the ICC and its indispensable action to put an end to impunity and to bring justice to the victims of the most serious crimes of international concern.