Coalition for the ICC welcomes decision to relocate ASP25 to The Hague
The Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) welcomes the decision of the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to relocate the 25th session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP25) from New York to The Hague.
The Bureau decided on 28 September 2026 that ASP25, originally scheduled to take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York, will be relocated to The Hague from 30 November to 7 December 2026.
The decision follows months of advocacy by civil society organisations, raising serious concerns about limitations on participation arising from holding the session in New York, including the visa restrictions for those targeted by unlawful US sanctions, restrictions based on country of origin and the broader chilling effect recent attacks against the Court has created. Those affected by sanctions, including ICC officials, a judicial candidate, and the three Palestinian human rights organisations, Al-Haq, Al Mezan and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), would have been barred from travelling to the US for the session. Furthermore, the broader visa restrictions would affect access by representatives of non-governmental organisations from the global south.
The Coalition welcomes the Bureau’s recognition of these significant barriers and its decision to ensure that ASP25 can take place in circumstances that enable broader, safer and more meaningful participation by all stakeholders, in the face of the current US campaign to “dismantle” the Court.
Already in January 2026, the Coalition raised the alarm and called on the ASP President and Bureau to either relocate ASP25 in its entirety to The Hague or adopt a split-session model, with the judicial elections taking place in New York and the Assembly’s substantive deliberations in The Hague. The Coalition and its members raised concerns that US sanctions, visa and entry restrictions, and related security risks would prevent or deter Court officials, civil society representatives, victims, survivors and other stakeholders from participating fully in the Assembly.
The decision to relocate the entire session provides an opportunity for all aspects of ASP25, including the judicial elections and substantive deliberations, to take place with the widest possible participation. Civil society has an important and recognised role in the ASP, including through independent monitoring of the judicial elections, engagement with States Parties, as well as throughout the Assembly’s discussions on the Court’s budget, cooperation, governance and other priorities.
The decision comes amid continuing pressure by the United States administration on the ICC and those engaging with it. On 13 July 2026, the US State Department announced a new campaign openly aimed at challenging the Court’s activities, outlining measures including diplomatic and financial pressure, additional sanctions, visa measures and efforts directed at eroding States Parties’ support for the Court.
Against this backdrop, the relocation of ASP25 sends an important message against any attempt to weaken or disrupt the effective functioning and working of the International Criminal Court.
“The relocation of ASP25 to The Hague is an important step towards ensuring that States Parties, Court officials, civil society, victims and affected communities can participate meaningfully and safely in the work of the Assembly,” highlights Alison Smith, Executive Director of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court. “At a time of unprecedented attacks against the ICC and those who support its work, States Parties must continue to ensure that external measures cannot prevent the Court and the Assembly from carrying out their mandates effectively.”
The Coalition recognises the important institutional role that both New York and The Hague play in the work of the Assembly and hopes the ASP can return to New York in the future. The Bureau has made clear that its decision responds to the specific circumstances prevailing in 2026 and does not establish a precedent regarding the venue of future Assembly sessions.
The Coalition welcomes the Bureau’s and States Parties’ attention to the security and meaningful participation of all those engaged in the Assembly’s work. With the venue now confirmed, the focus must be on ensuring that ASP25 is not only inclusive in principle, but in practice, and that discussions center on ensuring the Court’s independent, effective and efficient functioning.
The Coalition will continue working with its members, States Parties, the Court and other stakeholders to ensure that civil society, victims and affected communities can participate fully and safely, and that no external pressure is allowed to determine who can take part in the work of the Assembly or weaken the effective functioning of the Rome Statute system.
