ICJP relieved at Labour government’s decision not to intervene in International Criminal Court arrest warrants
London, 26th July 2024 – The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) expresses relief at the UK government decision to drop its submission making objections to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) request for the issue of arrest warrants for senior Israeli leaders. The ICC’s jurisdiction and independence must not be undermined.
ICJP strongly believes that the ICC should be free from the influence of foreign states, including the UK. The UK has strongly supported the ICC in the past and it should continue to support it as an international institution, without seeking to delegitimise it, if it supports an international rules-based order.
Earlier this month, ICJP wrote to the Foreign Secretary highlighting key foreign policy priorities for the new Labour government, including full support of the ICC. British foreign policy must uphold international law and remain free from US influence. Rather, British foreign policy should be set by the elected representatives who represent their respective offices.
On 19th July 2024, ICJP sent Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to the Cabinet Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The requests call for clarity on their engagement and correspondence with their counterparts at the ICC.
Whilst it is a relief that the Labour government will not be intervening in the ICC, the lack of clear and decisive leadership is alarming. Respecting and upholding international law is imperative and a strict minimum. UK leadership must take initiative by immediately halting arms transfers to Israel as well as immediate and unilateral recognition of Palestine, proving their true commitment to a ceasefire and a fruitful peace process.
Legal Officer Zaki Sarraf said:
“Respecting the jurisdiction and independence of the ICC is the least the Labour government can do to demonstrate a genuine commitment to justice and accountability. They must now avoid further undermining their credibility and uphold international law.
The double U-turn on the ICC arrest warrants was farcical—it called the integrity of the government into question and delayed the issuance of any potential arrest warrants. Anything less than supporting the ICC and upholding international law by immediately halting arms sales to Israel would signify the UK’s continued complicity in Israeli war crimes in Gaza.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians is an independent organisation of lawyers, politicians and academics who support the rights of Palestinians and aim to protect their rights through the law.
- UK Foreign Office statement on the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories available here.
- ICJP statement on initial reports of the UK’s potential U-turn available here.
- ICJP legal corrector – UK Government Response to ICC Arrest Warrants available here.
- ICJP are happy to provide more information and comments, or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, please contact the ICJP news desk at [email protected].