Statement on the International Criminal Court

March 18, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement following recent action by the United States affecting the International Criminal Court (ICC):

“Canada firmly supports the rules-based international order and the multilateral institutions that underpin it.‎

“We are proud to support the International Criminal Court and the important work that it does. The court is essential to investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes of international concern.

“Personnel of the International Criminal Court should not be targeted for the important work that they do.”

Quick facts

• Canada was one of the states that helped bring the International Criminal Court into existence through the Rome Statute more than 20 years ago.
• On June 29, 2000, Canada enacted the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, becoming the first country in the world to adopt comprehensive legislation implementing the Rome Statute.
• The ICC is a court of last resort, with jurisdiction only when states are themselves unable or unwilling to investigate and prosecute serious international crimes at a national level.