00:00The global rule of law is coming under increasing pressure, says Tomoko Akane,
00:05the president of the International Criminal Court, ICC.
00:08Speaking at the opening of the ICC's judicial year, she warned that the court,
00:13along with other judicial bodies worldwide,
00:15is facing deliberate efforts to undermine its core functions and authority.
00:22The challenges have intensified following the issuance of arrest warrants
00:26against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
00:30In response, the United States imposed sanctions on senior ICC officials,
00:34including judges which have disrupted court operations
00:37and significantly affected both the professional duties and personal lives of those targeted.
00:43The court is also facing retaliation from Russia as Moscow has sentenced ICC officials to prison
00:49after arrest warrants were issued against President Vladimir Putin in connection with the war in Ukraine.
00:55Akane said the current climate demands a renewed commitment to fundamental principles,
01:00adding that justice and humanity must remain values that transcend national borders.
Comments