Denmark, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) following President Donald Trump’s imposition of sanctions on the tribunal.

“We, the undersigned States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), reaffirm our continued and unwavering support for the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the ICC,” the countries said in a joint statement on Friday. 

Mr Trump had, on Friday, imposed sanctions on the ICC shortly after its former judge, Navanethem Navi Pillay, was named the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

“President Trump will never allow the International Criminal Court to prosecute Americans. That is why, today, the United States is sanctioning the International Criminal Court. 

“We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off ​their resources and crippling its ability to operate,” Secretary of ⁠State Marco Rubio said in a statement to Reuters. 

In the joint statement, the foreign ministers of the eight countries faulted the decision of the Trump administration to impose sanctions on the international tribunal, while lauding the work of the court. 

“As committed supporters of the ICC we regret and strongly disagree with the announcement of sanctions to be imposed upon the Court by the United States.

“We note with appreciation the work undertaken by the Court to prepare for such measures so that the Court can continue to fulfil its mandate under the Rome Statute and we underline our unwavering support in enabling the Court in doing so,” the statement noted. 

Meanwhile, the ministers warned that the sanctions would significantly affect the livelihood of the court’s staff and their family members. They, however, expressed their commitment to the court.

“Nevertheless, if put into effect, these sanctions will have a significant impact on the Court’s work, its dedicated staff and their families. They work every day to bring those accused of the most serious international crimes to justice and to support their victims.

“We remain both united in our support for the ICC and committed to engaging in constructive and inclusive dialogue with non-States Parties as we prepare for the Assembly of States Parties in December 2026,” the ministers stated.