Australia adds its name to multinational condemnation of US sanctions on ICC

Late last week a group of countries such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands released a joint declaration reaffirming support for the independence and integrity of the International Criminal Court and condemning recent US sanctions announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The sanctions would freeze the court’s US assets and bar American companies from providing services, threatening its operations and staff.

Australia was not listed on the original Saturday statement, drawing criticism for a perceived sluggish reaction. After signalling its intent to join on Sunday, Australia’s name was added to the declaration on Monday via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. Government spokespeople said the delay was due to the time needed to coordinate a position across continents, while observers pointed to a more cautious approach by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong compared with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Legal scholars welcomed Australia’s eventual participation, emphasizing the importance of defending the rule of law amid powerful states’ actions.