UN Regrets Three African Countries’ Pullout From Int'l Criminal Court

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International Criminal Court Building - Sputnik International
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The United Nations regrets the recent decisions by three African countries to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told a Security Council meeting Friday.

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) — He acknowledged concerns expressed by South Africa, Gambia and Burundi that the ICC pursues African suspects while ignoring evidence of crimes elsewhere. However, Ban said that despite its shortcomings, the Netherlands-based court should have an opportunity to address bias claims directly, before a country withdraws.

This file photo taken on November 23, 2015 shows the building of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, The Netherlands - Sputnik International
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“Indeed, in recent days, three African countries have expressed their intent to withdraw from the court. I regret these steps, which could send a wrong message on these countries’ commitment to justice," Ban said.

On Thursday, the secretary-general’s office was formally notified by the government of Burundi that it was withdrawing from the ICC, following a similar move by South Africa on October 21. Gambia announced its decision Tuesday, citing similar concerns over anti-African bias by the ICC.

Unless the countries reverse their decision, the withdrawals from the court will take effect in one year.

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