Canada, UK, and Five Allies Reaffirm ICC Support

As set out in a formal announcement, Ottawa – On October 9, 2026, the foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom released a joint statement reaffirming their continued and unwavering support for the independence, impartiality, and integrity of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The statement, published on the Canadian Global Affairs website, outlines a collective commitment to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. This action follows a statement made on September 16, 2026, by a joint multilateral sanctions monitoring team regarding DPRK’s overseas labour program, and a G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Bab al-Mandab and Navigational Rights and Freedoms issued on September 22, 2026. The statement reflects a consistent position articulated by the group in September, as evidenced in a joint statement released by the foreign minister of Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, United Kingdom International justice Joint statement On : October 09th 2026. The statement does not address the ICC’s current investigations, nor does it outline any new funding or operational support. The statement does not mention the specific countries currently under investigation by the ICC.

Context

The announcement represents a procedural reaffirmation of a long-held position. In March the ministry stated its ongoing support for the ICC, demonstrating a continued alignment with the international legal framework. The statement’s release, coinciding with ongoing scrutiny of the ICC’s work, particularly regarding investigations into alleged war crimes in Ukraine, underscores the continued, albeit largely symbolic, commitment of these nations to the court’s jurisdiction. The joint statement is primarily a diplomatic gesture, intended to signal solidarity with the ICC and to counter potential criticism from nations that question the court’s effectiveness or legitimacy. The statement does not mention any specific concerns raised regarding the ICC’s operations.

Sources & Further Reading

• Official press release
• Foreign ministry source
• Joint statement of the multilateral sanctions monitoring team on the report covering the DPRK’s overseas labour program (16 Septemb)
• G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Bab al-Mandab and Navigational Rights and Freedoms (22 Septemb)
• France: Joint statement of the foreign minister of Canada, Denmark, Germany, France,… (October 09)