Saturday 11 May 2024
Islamabad (Urdu Point. UN Urdu. May 11, 2024) United Nations experts on human rights have threatened retaliation by the American and Israeli authorities against the International Criminal Court (ICC), its officials and their families. Expressed serious concern over the issue.
Experts say that threats to an independent and impartial international tribunal to prevent accountability by countries that consider themselves to be the biggest supporters of the law are troubling.
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At a time when the world should be united to end the horrific bloodshed in Gaza and seek justice for those unlawfully killed, wounded or abducted, the International Court of Justice is being threatened.
Such statements violate the principles of human rights and exceed the recognized limits of freedom of expression.
Criminal obstruction of justice
In recent days, the US and Israeli officials have made strong statements against the ICC, in which they have described the possible actions of the court prosecutor as illegal, shameful and any possible warrant as a provocative attack and a hateful act.
There have also been reports that members of the US Congress are preparing to take retaliatory measures, such as sanctions against the court's officials and withholding of its funds, if an arrest warrant is issued by Israeli officials.
In addition, threats were made by Israel's finance minister to cut off financial resources from the Palestinian Authority.
On May 4, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the ICC condemned the statements of the US and Israeli officials. The statement issued by the OTP made it clear to all such persons that threats of retaliation may amount to criminal obstruction of justice under Article 70 of the Rome Statute.
Demanding respect for the court
Experts say that the ICC has the authority to investigate and prosecute people who commit genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Court judges have given prosecutors the responsibility of investigating crimes committed in the Palestinian territories since 2014, whether they were committed by Palestinians, Israelis or citizens of any other country. These include crimes committed inside Israel. The prosecutor has said that his investigations include recent incidents in occupied Gaza and the West Bank.
Experts say that the majority of the countries of the world are in favor of the court and in the current situation the role of ICC has become more important than before. The work of the court and its prosecutor will be of decisive importance in establishing accountability and overall international justice in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
He has asked all countries to respect the independence and impartiality of the court and those working in it.
Politicians and government officials play an important role in shaping the media's agenda, public debate and opinion. That is why their moral attitudes and behaviors should promote the law, protect human rights and gain confidence in the democratic system of government.
Experts are in contact with Israel and the United States on this issue.
Experts and special informants
Impartial experts or special rapporteurs are appointed under special procedures of the UN Human Rights Council who are not part of the UN staff and do not receive compensation for their work.
