Call for Dialogue and Institutional Confidence Following the Withdrawal of Three African States from the Rome Statute

World Embassy Desk (WED) takes note of the decision by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC). While States have the sovereign right under international law to withdraw from treaties in accordance with the procedures set out therein, WED emphasizes that such decisions may have significant implications for the international legal order and the global fight against impunity.

WED recognizes that a number of States have, in recent years, expressed concerns regarding the functioning of international criminal justice institutions, including issues relating to consistency, impartiality, representativeness, and the equal application of international criminal law. Such concerns deserve to be addressed through sincere, constructive and inclusive dialogue within the international community. Strengthening confidence in international institutions is essential to preserving their legitimacy and effectiveness.

At the same time, WED reaffirms that the protection of victims of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression remains a fundamental concern of the international community. Preventing impunity and ensuring individual accountability for the gravest international crimes are essential pillars of a stable and rules-based international order.

WED therefore calls upon all States and relevant international institutions to work towards restoring mutual trust through constructive diplomacy, meaningful institutional reform where appropriate, and the consistent, impartial and non-selective application of international law. Dialogue and reform should be pursued in preference to further polarization, thereby enabling international justice mechanisms to maintain their legitimacy and continue contributing effectively to international peace, security and justice.

WED expresses its hope that all parties will remain committed to international cooperation, respect for international law, and the protection of the fundamental rights, dignity and equal worth of every human being.