IAP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ON SANCTIONS AGAINST THE PROSECUTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT 

The International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) is the only worldwide organisation of prosecutors, prosecuting authorities and associations. It covers six continents and over 175 jurisdictions and represents thousands of prosecutors. The IAP is a non-political and non-governmental organisation. It is committed to upholding the rights of prosecutors and their organisations, to ensuring that prosecutorial standards are upheld, and to promoting the rule of law, fairness and respect for human rights.

The IAP is committed to upholding the principle of prosecutorial independence, which is an integral part of the rule of law. If States compromise the independence of prosecutors, the integrity of the criminal justice system is also compromised.

The IAP expresses deep concern regarding the Executive Order issued by the President of the United States on February 6, 2025, imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its officials for enforcement action arising out of the Gaza situation. It has resulted in the inclusion of Mr Khan KC (and his immediate family) on the list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.

The Prosecutor of the ICC acts within the jurisdiction conferred by the Rome Statute, the ICC's founding treaty, to which 125 countries are States Parties. 

The ICC Prosecutor operates independently, and only investigates cases within the ICC's jurisdiction. Like other ICC officials, the ICC Prosecutor is appointed on the basis of experience and character.

The IAP respectfully urges the United States to uphold prosecutorial safeguards under international law and reconsider measures that may undermine judicial independence.