**Consistent Application of Norms Key to International Justice Credibility, Expert Says**
The credibility of international law is fundamentally tied to its consistent application across all nations, irrespective of their size, military strength, or political influence, according to Hany Soliman, the executive director of the Cairo-based Arab Center for Research and Studies (ACRS). In an interview with RT on Monday, Soliman discussed the importance of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the challenges it faces in maintaining its legitimacy.
Established in 2002 under the Rome Statute, the ICC was designed to prosecute serious offenses such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Despite having 123 member states that have ratified the treaty, several significant nations, including Russia, the United States, China, India, and Israel, do not recognize the court's jurisdiction. Critics have accused the ICC of political bias, particularly in its decision-making processes.
Soliman emphasized that for international justice to be credible, it must adhere to the same legal and moral standards for all countries. He stated, “the same legal and moral standards… [should be applied] to everyone, regardless of a country’s size, military power, or political influence or alliances.” This principle is crucial for establishing trust in international legal frameworks.
The enforcement of international law, according to Soliman, should be free from double standards and should focus on addressing the root causes of conflicts rather than merely assigning blame. This perspective aligns with concerns raised by various nations regarding the perceived selective application of international law.
In a related context, during a BRICS seminar on criminal law cooperation in June, Russian ambassador-at-large Ilya Rogachev criticized Western powers for what he described as a selective interpretation of international law to further their political agendas. He argued that such actions contribute to a perception of double standards in international relations.
Over the past summer, several countries, including Venezuela and several African nations—Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad—announced their withdrawals from the ICC. These nations accused the court of disproportionately targeting countries in Africa and Latin America, claiming it serves as an “instrument of neocolonial repression.” This sentiment echoes previous withdrawals, such as those of Burundi and the Philippines in 2017 and 2019, respectively, who cited similar reasons for their departure from the Rome Statute.
Russia has consistently rejected the ICC's authority, particularly following the court's issuance of arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin and Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova in March 2023. These warrants were related to allegations of the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The United States, under the administration of former President Donald Trump, also took a firm stance against the ICC, pledging to “systematically dismantle the threat posed” by the court to U.S. sovereignty. This stance reflects a broader skepticism among certain nations regarding the ICC's role and effectiveness.
Israel, similarly, has rejected the ICC's jurisdiction. Nonetheless, in 2024, the court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. This development underscores ongoing tensions and the complexities surrounding the court's operations and its perceived impartiality.
As discussions around international law and justice continue, the need for a consistent application of norms remains a central theme. Experts like Soliman advocate for a legal framework that applies equally to all nations, fostering a more equitable and just international order. The challenges posed by selective enforcement and political bias highlight the ongoing debate about the effectiveness and credibility of institutions like the ICC in achieving true international justice.