The Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has expressed concern over the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the treaty that established the International Criminal Court.

In a statement on Wednesday at the conclusion of its twenty-third session in The Hague, it urged that countries’ participation in its activities was crucial, warning that withdrawals could result in risks that undermine collective efforts towards the pursuit of justice.

The Assembly said the decisions by the three countries could affect global efforts in ensuring efficient measures for serious crimes and offences to maintain justice.

The Presidency, led by President Päivi Kaukoranta of Finland and Vice-Presidents Michael Imran Kanu of Sierra Leone and Margareta Kassangana of Poland, urged the three West African nations to reconsider and remain committed to the Rome Statute.

The body also acknowledged that the leadership from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger helped to recognise the Assembly of States Parties as an independent and impartial judicial institution through the support of the International Criminal Court.