On Monday, July 13th, 2026, the United Nations reaffirmed the crucial role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the global effort to end impunity for serious crimes such as genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. This statement came amid calls for the ICC’s abolition, notably from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

During a regular media briefing, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized that although the ICC operates independently from the UN Secretariat, it remains a "critical cog in the international justice system." He noted the court's broad support from Member States and its role in ensuring accountability for grave offenses.

The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, the 1998 treaty that established the ICC, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. Rubio outlined his position in an opinion piece in The Wall Street Journal, arguing that "America never agreed to a world tribunal that can override our own courts and the Constitution." He described a US diplomatic campaign promoting "sovereign States over globalism."

Rubio further stated, "International law, the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, were created by sovereign Member States." The UN Secretary-General has expressed concern that these foundational instruments, which have provided protection and relief to millions, are currently "under threat and under attack."

This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between national sovereignty and international justice mechanisms.

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