Britain, Germany, France, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sierra Leone are among the 79 countries which have signed a statement condemning US president Donald Trump’s decision to impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

“Such measures increase the risk of impunity for the most serious crimes and threaten to erode the international rule of law, which is crucial for promoting global order and security,” the statement said.

“Sanctions could jeopardise the confidentiality of sensitive information and the safety of those involved—including victims, witnesses, and court officials, many of whom are our nationals,” the countries said.

Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof has described the sanctions as a “worrying signal”, saying it is extremely important to the Netherlands that the court can function without hindrance.

Israel

Trump announced the move during a visit by Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu – who is wanted for war crimes by the court – and said the court’s investigation into the US ally was “baseless.”

According to an analysis last month by the Volkskrant, the Netherlands runs a particular risk, given that it hosts the ICC and that everyone who has been arrested ends up on Dutch soil. Although detention is up to the court, everything between Schiphol airport and the 12 ICC cells at Scheveningen jail is the responsibility of the Netherlands.

The Netherlands also provides operational support, including security and access to suspects and witnesses.