Further to that statement Phillip Boulten SC has said:

‘Australia cannot remain silent in the face of President Trump’s aggressive sanctions on the International Criminal Court which potentially target Australian human rights workers and their families.

‘These extensive financial and travel sanctions aim to cripple a key international law institution which counts Australia as a leading supporter and contributor since 2002.

‘The ICC, with the International Court of Justice and the Genocide Convention, sits at the heart of Australia’s and Labor’s advocacy for human rights and international law. 

‘Labor Friends of Palestine calls on the Federal Government to join 79 member States including the UK and Canada that have declared unwavering support for the independence, impartiality and integrity of the ICC.

‘Australia should clarify the Government’s response should the Trump Administration target Australians working with the ICC.

‘The Federal Government should make clear to the US that any move to punish Australians for their human rights work is completely unacceptable and will be strongly opposed.

‘Australia should put measures in place to reassure and protect Australians who potentially face severe consequences under the Trump sanctions.