Opinion: The founders of the ICC must not let it be destroyed

Twenty-eight years ago, 120 states voted to adopt the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Every year, International Justice Day is celebrated on 17 July, providing an occasion for states, civil society groups and other stakeholders to reflect on the gravity of the court’s mission, and to reaffirm their support for the values underpinning the statute. But this year, it was hardly a festive occasion. The customary statements marking the day ring hollow. Under President Donald Trump, the United States has subjected the ICC to a sustained assault, while its States Parties have been either lukewarm in countering such abuses or powerless to devise a meaningful response. Read more: The founders of the ICC must not let it be destroyed The International Criminal Court in The Hague is pictured on 28 March 2026 (John Thys/AFP)