EU’s Day against Impunity calls for fairness and justice

Josep Borrell, senior EU diplomat show On May 7, he demonstrated a principled commitment to justice when he pushed back against threats aimed at derailing the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into Palestine. “If we respect the International Criminal Court, then it must be respected in all circumstances, in all settings and with everyone,” he said.

May 23, the ninth anniversary of the founding of the European Union day against impunityshortly after the ICC prosecutor filed a warrant for serious international crimes committed in Israel and Palestine since October 7, 2023. The request is currently being considered by ICC judges.

EU member states now face a severe test in supporting victims’ equal access to justice.

The EU and its Member States have responded strongly to serious crime in Europe. Ukraine, Myanmar, Syriaand elsewhere, supporting international and domestic justice efforts. In the past, they have also provided significant political support at the outset of ICC judicial proceedings. under attack Those who are afraid of taking responsibility.

They should now follow through on their principled commitment to ensuring justice for grave abuses committed by both Israel and Palestine. Belgium, Ireland, slovenia, Spainand France did express support for the independence of the court, despite attempts threaten The courts and their officials – esp. Some U.S. lawmakers — step up the game.

However, since the ICC prosecutor announced his request for an arrest warrant, some responses from EU member states have been inadequate.Support or even criticism.

The ICC is doing what its member states, including all EU countries, set it up to do. The EU and its member states should form a common front and push for justice for atrocities committed in Israel and Palestine and around the world, regardless of the alleged perpetrators.They should also take action to deter further crime and unequivocally support any independent judicial efforts to pursue accountability; whether through international criminal court,United Nations Investigative Committeethis International Court of Justiceor before national courts in EU countries.

No atrocity crimes is always reasonable. Accountability is key to ensuring that events like this never happen again and that all victims receive the redress they deserve.