Politics · Singapore Bureau
Japan pledges to defend ICC amid US pressure campaign
Tokyo will work to protect the International Criminal Court from efforts to undermine the institution, Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said, citing shared concerns with ICC leadership over recent developments.
LSN Singapore ·
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged Japan's commitment to safeguarding the International Criminal Court against pressure to dismantle the tribunal, signalling Tokyo's support for the multilateral institution at a time of mounting geopolitical tensions.
Takaichi said she shared a "sense of crisis" with ICC President Tomoko Akane regarding the situation, underscoring Japan's resolve to stand by the Court despite external pressures.
The statement comes as the ICC faces increased scrutiny and calls for reform from various quarters, with concerns raised about the institution's independence and effectiveness. Japan's position reflects the country's broader commitment to rules-based international order and multilateral institutions.
As a signatory to the Rome Statute that established the ICC, Japan has historically been a supporter of international justice mechanisms. The Prime Minister's remarks signal that Tokyo intends to maintain its backing for the Court and work with other nations to preserve its institutional integrity.
The ICC, based in The Hague, plays a central role in prosecuting crimes against humanity and war crimes. Support from major democracies like Japan is considered crucial to the Court's credibility and operational capacity.