Dutch FM Rejects U.S. Sanctions on ICC Officials, Reaffirms Full Support for Court

The Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp announced that the Netherlands firmly rejects the latest U.S. sanctions imposed on officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and reiterated his country’s full support for the court.

According to the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Veldkamp emphasized that the ICC plays a crucial role in upholding international justice and accountability. 

He emphasized that the Netherlands, as the host country of the ICC in The Hague, remains committed to safeguarding the court’s independence and mandate.

"The Netherlands disapproves of additional sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court. Independent international courts and tribunals must be able to carry out their work without obstructions. We stand in full support of the Court. 1/2," Veldkamp wrote in an X post on Wednesday.

The remarks come in response to Washington’s move to expand punitive measures against ICC officials, a step that has drawn criticism from several European governments and human rights organizations.

The Dutch Foreign Minister underscored that targeting ICC staff undermines the global rules-based order, adding that the Netherlands will continue to back the court in fulfilling its duty to investigate and prosecute the most serious international crimes.