Rubio steps up campaign against ICC
Washington, Aug 1
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration has launched an international campaign to curb the influence of the International Criminal Court, while highlighting diplomatic initiatives in the Middle East and growing support from pro-American governments across the Western Hemisphere.
Speaking during President Donald Trump's Cabinet meeting at Camp David, Rubio described the ICC as an institution that had overstepped its authority by asserting jurisdiction over citizens of countries that are not parties to the court.
"The International Criminal Court is an illegitimate international organization," Rubio said. "They've made themselves illegitimate because they claim that even if you're not a member of that court, they can come after you."
He said such claims could expose American military personnel and political leaders to prosecution abroad.
"What that literally means in the future is that American servicemen, political leaders and others could find themselves under indictment by this International Criminal Court," Rubio said.
Rubio said Washington had first sought reforms within the court but had shifted strategy after those efforts failed.
"We've now begun an effort to really try to bring that court to heel," he said.
According to Rubio, the initiative has already gained international support.
"We've had dozens of countries already join us in this effort since we started two weeks ago. Five countries have already quit the ICC and notified them that they're leaving and we think there'll be more," he said.
The Secretary of State also highlighted a recent ministerial meeting hosted in Washington, saying representatives from 60 countries had joined discussions on combating politically motivated violence.
"Sixty countries came to Washington and were a part of an effort where we were shedding light on far left terror and violence," Rubio said, adding that the administration hoped to build "a strong coalition" to confront such groups.
Turning to the Middle East, Rubio credited President Trump with advancing diplomatic engagement between Israel and Lebanon.
"The deal with Lebanon and Israel is unprecedented," he said. "This is the first time the Israelis and the Lebanese government have spoken at the official level in close to 30 years."
Rubio also welcomed what he described as progress towards the disarmament of Hamas.
"As you announced last night, Mr. President, this disarmament deal that you brought about... is another big step, as well. It's something a lot of people thought would never happen," he said.
He argued that the political landscape across Latin America had also shifted in Washington's favour.
"For the first time in 15-20 years, the overwhelming majority of the countries in the Western Hemisphere are now led by pro-American leaders and pro-American governments," Rubio said, calling it "an extraordinary achievement."
Rubio concluded by praising the US response to the recent earthquake in Venezuela, saying American personnel had been deployed within 36 hours to provide humanitarian assistance.
"It is one of the fastest, most dramatic and most effective humanitarian responses, certainly in recent history, if not ever," he said, crediting the President for directing the operation.
President Trump briefly intervened during Rubio's remarks to clarify that the Secretary of State's criticism of the ICC was not aimed at protecting him personally.
"He's not trying to defend me. He is trying to defend Bibi and various other people," Trump said. "There is no indication that I'm one of them at this moment."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Look at the bigger picture here. Rubio is bragging about getting countries to quit the ICC, and five have already left in just two weeks. The US is literally trying to dismantle international institutions because they don't want accountability. Meanwhile, they talk about being champions of rules-based order. The irony is just staggering. But honestly, India should also ask — do we want a world where the biggest power can just bully everyone into leaving global courts?
Some fair points from Rubio though. The ICC has overstepped in many ways, and India has traditionally been cautious about joining because of similar concerns. However, the aggressive campaign to dismantle the court entirely sets a dangerous precedent. What about accountability for crimes against humanity in countries that can't prosecute their own? Just seems shortsighted to tear it all down because you disagree with some decisions.
As an Indian, I find this whole approach troubling. We're a non-ICC member ourselves, but watching the US bully smaller nations to leave the court is like watching a heavyweight boxer beat up a referee. What Rubio calls "reforms" actually just means "do what we say or we'll destroy you." The mention of Middle East and Latin America diplomacy shows this is all about strengthening US influence, not justice.
Finally someone saying it like it is! The ICC has become a joke — it goes after Israel, the US, and other Western allies, but where's the justice for victims in conflict zones? Rubio is playing politics, sure, but the core issue stands. India must also be careful about joining international bodies that promise justice but deliver selective politics. The "bring the court to heel" comment was blunt but needed to be said, even if I don't agree with all the tactics.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.