Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee has reaffirmed Ireland’s support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) after meeting its president, Judge Tomoko Akane, in Dublin.
The talks at Iveagh House took place against the backdrop of escalating pressure on the court, including US sanctions imposed on Akane herself as well as other ICC officials.
The US State Department said in August that Judge Akane and ICC senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye had been designated under an executive order targeting the court.
The department accused the ICC of exceeding its mandate by pursuing officials from countries that had not accepted its jurisdiction. The US said the campaign was intended to protect national sovereignty and warned that further measures could follow.
Following her meeting with Judge Akane, Minister McEntee said Ireland remained committed to defending the court’s independence.
“I was honoured to welcome President Akane to Dublin today and to reiterate Ireland’s unwavering support for the International Criminal Court,” she said.
“At a time when the Court faces unprecedented challenges, Ireland remains firmly committed to safeguarding its independence and ensuring that it can continue its vital work in the pursuit of justice and accountability.”
The minister said the ICC had an “indispensable role” in upholding international law and delivering justice for victims of the gravest crimes.
She also pledged to use Ireland’s current Presidency of the Council of the European Union to build international support for the court.
“Ireland stands with the Court, its officials and its staff in defence of these principles,” Helen McEntee said.