The Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute has moved its upcoming 25th session from New York to The Hague amid concerns over US sanctions against some International Criminal Court officials and visa restrictions affecting participants.
The ASP Bureau decided on Sept. 28 to relocate the session, originally scheduled at the United Nations headquarters in New York, to The Hague.
It will be held from Nov. 30 to Dec. 7, 2026, includThe Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute has moved its upcoming 25th session from New York to The Hague amid concerns over US sanctions against some International Criminal Court officials and visa restrictions affecting participants.
The ASP Bureau decided on Sept. 28 to relocate the session, originally scheduled at the United Nations headquarters in New York, to The Hague.
It will be held from Nov. 30 to Dec. 7, 2026, including Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6 as working days.
The Bureau said the decision was made after consultations with all States Parties and in light of concerns over limitations on participation linked to the New York venue.
Among those affected are elected ICC officials subject to US sanctions as well as some delegations and representatives of non-governmental organizations facing visa restrictions.
ASP President Päivi Kaukoranta said the decision was based on the “specific circumstances prevailing in 2026” and should not be considered a precedent for choosing the venue of future Assembly sessions.
The ASP is the ICC’s management, oversight and legislative body and is composed of representatives of countries that have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute.
The Assembly has previously recognized the need to ensure the security and participation of States Parties’ representatives, ICC officials and civil society groups attending its sessions.#
ing Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6 as working days.
The Bureau said the decision was made after consultations with all States Parties and in light of concerns over limitations on participation linked to the New York venue.
Among those affected are elected ICC officials subject to US sanctions as well as some delegations and representatives of non-governmental organizations facing visa restrictions.
ASP President Päivi Kaukoranta said the decision was based on the “specific circumstances prevailing in 2026” and should not be considered a precedent for choosing the venue of future Assembly sessions.
The ASP is the ICC’s management, oversight and legislative body and is composed of representatives of countries that have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute.
The Assembly has previously recognized the need to ensure the security and participation of States Parties’ representatives, ICC officials and civil society groups attending its sessions.#