UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF CONDEMNS FRESH US SANCTIONS AGAINST INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has condemned fresh sanctions imposed by the United States against the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing the measures as unacceptable and urging governments to take immediate action to protect the court’s independence.
Türk made the remarks on Friday, October 9, 2026, following the US government’s decision to impose sanctions on the ICC as an institution. He warned that the measures could undermine international efforts to hold individuals accountable for serious human rights violations and other grave crimes.
The UN human rights chief described the sanctions as the latest in a series of retaliatory measures targeting the court and its personnel over their work to advance accountability for serious violations of international law.
“These sanctions — the latest in a series of retaliatory steps against the ICC and its personnel for the work they do every day to advance accountability for the very worst violations of human rights — are unacceptable,” Türk said.
He called on the 125 countries that are parties to the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the ICC, to take urgent steps to safeguard the institution and ensure it can continue carrying out its judicial responsibilities without political interference.
Türk also warned that the sanctions could have a chilling effect on individuals and organisations cooperating with the court, potentially discouraging judges, prosecutors, human rights advocates and other parties from supporting investigations into serious international crimes.
He stressed that countries which established the ICC have a particular responsibility to protect its independence and ensure that it has the resources and support needed to fulfil its mandate. He also urged countries that are not members of the court to respect its work and independence.
The new sanctions were announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday. The US government has maintained that the ICC has exceeded its authority by pursuing matters involving American nationals and officials from countries allied with Washington.
The latest action marks an escalation in the long-running dispute between the Trump administration and the court, which is based in The Hague, Netherlands. Washington has repeatedly challenged the ICC’s jurisdiction over nationals of countries that are not parties to the Rome Statute.
The United States has previously imposed sanctions on ICC officials, including judges and prosecutors, as part of its opposition to investigations and proceedings it considers contrary to American interests. The latest measures extend the pressure to the court as an institution.
The ICC strongly rejected the sanctions, describing them as an attempt to obstruct justice and undermine the international legal order. The court said it would continue carrying out its responsibilities independently and impartially, relying on the law and available evidence.
ICC President Tomoko Akane said the court would not be deterred from fulfilling its mandate, while calling on member states to take concrete steps to ensure the institution has the means to continue its work.
The court investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression when the relevant legal conditions for its jurisdiction are met. It was established under the Rome Statute, which entered into force in 2002.
The dispute between Washington and the ICC has intensified over investigations involving alleged crimes in Afghanistan and proceedings concerning Israeli officials. The US government has objected to the court’s authority in cases involving nationals of countries that have not accepted its jurisdiction.
Türk called for all sanctions against the ICC and its personnel to be withdrawn, arguing that international institutions responsible for pursuing justice should not be punished for carrying out their lawful duties.
He warned that efforts to weaken the court could affect victims of serious crimes who depend on international justice mechanisms when national authorities are unwilling or unable to provide accountability.
The UN human rights chief said governments should invest in strengthening justice and accountability rather than penalising individuals and institutions involved in documenting, investigating and prosecuting grave violations.
The sanctions have also prompted criticism from international human rights organisations, which argue that targeting the ICC could weaken protections against impunity and undermine the principle that individuals accused of serious international crimes should be subject to legal scrutiny.
The developments have renewed debate over the relationship between national sovereignty and international justice, particularly the extent to which states can challenge international courts whose investigations touch on their citizens or allies.
As the dispute continues, the ICC faces the task of maintaining its investigations and prosecutions while addressing the potential operational consequences of the US measures. Its ability to continue functioning may also depend on the practical and financial support provided by its member states.
Street News Reporters will continue to monitor the international response to the sanctions and their implications for the ICC, its personnel and efforts to ensure accountability for serious violations of international law.
