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Reacting to South Africa's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, international law expert Dr Mark Ellis, Executive Director of the International Bar Association, commented:

'A government executive decision, without the involvement of Parliament, has taken away the ability of the people of South Africa to discuss the potential withdrawal from the International Criminal Court and its consequences. Withdrawal of South Africa from the ICC would be enormously damaging to the fight against impunity, and the need of victims to seek accountability. South Africa was one of the leading African countries in establishing the permanent Court with a mandate to address atrocity crimes, yet it may be one of the earliest to walk away. If this decision holds, it would be an extraordinary and detrimental development for both international justice and for South Africa.'

Issued by International Bar Association