WED Issues Diplomatic Letter to Hungary Regarding ICC Obligations

31 March 2025 — The Hague

The World Embassy Desk (WED) has formally submitted a diplomatic communication to the Government of Hungary in response to recent public statements suggesting that Hungary may refuse to comply with an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

As a State Party to the Rome Statute, Hungary is legally obligated to cooperate with the ICC, including in the execution of arrest warrants under Articles 86 and 89. WED’s letter reminds the Hungarian government of these binding commitments and urges it to uphold its responsibilities under international law.

The letter states:
“While the World Embassy Desk fully respects the sovereignty of Hungary and its right to make independent decisions, we emphasize that as long as a sovereign State remains a party to binding instruments of international law, it is expected to fulfill its legal commitments or, if unwilling to do so, withdraw in accordance with lawful procedures.”

WED further calls on Hungary to refrain from facilitating or hosting visits by individuals subject to active ICC warrants, and to prevent any obstruction of justice that may result from non-cooperation.

The communication also notes that parallel diplomatic correspondence has been issued to Hungary’s neighboring states — including Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Croatia, and Ukraine — urging them to take preventive legal and operational measures, such as the closure of national airspace, to ensure that the integrity of the ICC process is upheld.

WED continues to engage with governments and institutions across Europe and beyond to ensure collective support for international justice, accountability, and the rule of law.