Petition Endorsed: “We call for the Immediate Withdrawal of U.S. Sanctions Against ICC President Akane. The Government of Japan Must Reject These Sanctions and Take Concrete Action to Support and Protect President Akane.”
YWCA of Japan endorsed the petition on August 22: “We call for the Immediate Withdrawal of U.S. Sanctions Against ICC President Akane. The Government of Japan Must Reject These Sanctions and Take Concrete Action to Support and Protect President Akane.”
Reposted from the online petition site.
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[We call for the Immediate Withdrawal of U.S. Sanctions Against ICC President Akane. The Government of Japan Must Reject These Sanctions and Take Concrete Action to Support and Protect President Akane.]
To: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi / Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi / Minister of Justice Hiroshi Hiraguchi
To: The Government of the United States
We cannot forget the suffering of people affected by conflict. We cannot stand by while heinous crimes against people, especially women and children, are ignored and those responsible enjoy impunity.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) plays a vital role in upholding international law and holding perpetrators accountable for war crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. The contribution of this important institution to global peace and justice is immeasurable.
However, the Trump administration has imposed sanctions on ICC prosecutors and judges, and on August 18, 2026, it went so far as to add ICC President Akane to its sanctions list. This is an extremely unjust action that seriously threatens the independence of the ICC and significantly obstructs its work.
Such actions undermine the principles of justice and the rule of law that the international community has spent decades building, and we must strongly protest them. If the ICC is prevented from functioning effectively, there is a real danger that even the gravest humanitarian crimes will go unpunished and that no one will be held accountable.
We strongly condemn the sanctions imposed by the Trump administration and call for their immediate withdrawal.
Furthermore, the Executive Order authorizing sanctions against ICC officials constitutes an unjustified interference with international justice, and we strongly call for its repeal. The independence of the ICC and the rule of international law must not be undermined by any state under any circumstances.
If the Government of Japan is to remain a defender of international law and human rights, it must take a firm stand against this injustice. As a member of the international community and a State Party to the ICC, Japan should continue to support the Court and fulfill its role as a champion of justice. The Japanese government should clearly express its support for President Akane and provide all possible practical assistance to ensure that she can carry out her duties without obstruction.
Furthermore, we urge the Japanese government to press the United States to immediately rescind the sanctions against President Akane and to take meaningful action to protect the independence of the ICC.
This issue concerns all of us who believe in justice. In order to uphold the rule of law in the international community and leave a peaceful and just world to future generations, let us act together. We ask for your signature and support to help improve this situation and ensure that the principles of justice prevail.
Japan International Rule of Law network
Human Rights Now
