Mao tells ICC president Judge Akane 'Uganda committed to supporting court'
The ICC, which prosecutes individuals for war crimes and crimes against humanity, is suffering arguably the most difficult period in its 23-year history.
Mao (L) also regretted the uncalled-for attacks against the Court and its officials. However, he said these attacks should not deter the court from standing for the principles of justice and a rules-based international order.
HAGUE - Uganda's justice and constitutional affairs minister Nobert Mao has met with International Criminal Court (ICC) president Justice Tomoko Akane and assured her of Uganda's support.
During the December 2, 2025, meeting at the World Forum, The Hague, on the sidelines of the 24th Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC, the officials discussed a wide range of issues, including her recent visit to Uganda; Attacks on the Court, including sanctioning a number of its judges and officials.
The ICC, which prosecutes individuals for war crimes and crimes against humanity, is suffering arguably the most difficult period in its 23-year history.
US President Donald Trump, furious at arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the conduct of the war in Gaza, recently slapped sanctions on key officials, including judges and prosecutors.
Neither the US nor Israel is a party to the ICC. However, in 2021, the court ruled that its jurisdiction extends to the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
While opening the annual meeting that brought together representatives from the countries that are part of the ICC on December 1, Akane was defiant, saying: "Let me be explicit. We never accept any kind of pressure from anyone."
"Our independence and impartiality are our Pole Stars and remain unaffected. Our loyalties are only with the Rome Statute (which established the ICC and sets out its powers) and international law," said the Japanese jurist.
Uncalled-for attacks regrettable
Mao also regretted the uncalled-for attacks against the Court and its officials. However, he said these attacks should not deter the court from standing for the principles of justice and a rules-based international order.
He asked the court to keep its house in order, noting that ‘it is the water in the boat that causes a boat to sink, and not the waters outside the boat’.
In attendance was Judge Salome Bosa of Uganda, who is a Judge at the ICC, alongside ambassadors, including Mirjam Blaak (Uganda to the Netherlands).
Akane thanked Uganda for her unwavering support for the Court and its work.
ICC member countries
Currently, 125 countries, which are two-thirds of UN member states, are party to ICC. Other countries that refused to join it include China, Russia, North Korea, Libya, and Saudi Arabia.
Four ICC member countries, including Hungary, have announced they intend to withdraw.