ICC President Concludes Official Visit to Canada, Holds High-Level Discussions on International Justice and Judicial Independence
International Criminal Court (ICC) President Judge Tomoko Akane has concluded an official two-day visit to Canada, held on November 3 and 4, 2026, aimed at strengthening cooperation between Canada and the Court and advancing discussions on international justice, judicial independence and the protection of the international legal system.
During the visit, President Akane highlighted Canada’s longstanding commitment to the ICC and its significant contribution to the establishment of the Court. She particularly acknowledged the role of Canadian Judge Philippe Kirsch in negotiating the Rome Statute and serving as the ICC’s first President.
In Ottawa, on November 3, President Akane, accompanied by ICC Judge Kimberly Prost, held high-level meetings with senior Canadian government officials, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Thangaraj, Justice Minister and Attorney General Sean Fraser, and Deputy Minister of Justice Marie-Josée Hogue.
The discussions primarily focused on strengthening Canada’s cooperation with the ICC and ensuring continued support for the Court amid coercive measures targeting the institution and its officials. The meetings underscored the importance of safeguarding international judicial institutions from political pressure and external interference.
President Akane and Judge Prost also met Canada’s Chief Justice Richard Wagner and other judges of the Supreme Court of Canada. Their discussions centred on judicial independence, the relationship between national and international judicial institutions, and the importance of maintaining impartiality and integrity in the administration of justice.
On November 4, President Akane travelled to Québec City, where she was welcomed by Mayor Bruno Marchand. She subsequently participated in a strategic dialogue with Canadian legal professionals, academics and civil society representatives to explore ways of strengthening international justice and supporting the ICC’s mandate.
The visit concluded with President Akane delivering a keynote address titled “Justice and Power: Why and How Should We Defend the International Criminal Court?” at a conference organised by the Faculty of Law of Université Laval.
In her address, Akane emphasised that the relationship between justice and political power must be governed by the rule of law. She stressed the importance of ensuring that legal principles prevail over political influence, reinforcing the need to defend the independence and authority of international judicial institutions.
The visit comes amid growing international debate over the ICC’s independence and the impact of sanctions and other coercive measures against its officials. Canada and several other countries have reiterated their support for the Court’s independence, impartiality and integrity.
The ICC, established under the 1998 Rome Statute and operational since 2002, is responsible for investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression, subject to its jurisdiction.
President Akane’s visit reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation, judicial independence and collective commitment to accountability, particularly at a time when the international justice system faces increasing political and institutional challenges.
