UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF CONDEMNS FRESH US SANCTIONS AGAINST ICC, CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL
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 calling for urgent action to protect the international judicial institution and those working with it.
Türk issued the condemnation in a statement released in Geneva on Friday, October 9, 2026, warning that the latest measures could undermine efforts to hold perpetrators of serious human rights violations accountable.
The UN human rights chief said the sanctions represented the latest in a series of retaliatory actions against the ICC and its personnel over their work to advance accountability for grave violations of human rights and 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 urged the 125 countries that are parties to the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the ICC, to take immediate steps to defend the court and ensure it can continue carrying out its mandate.
Türk warned that the sanctions must not discourage judges, prosecutors, human rights advocates and other individuals or organisations from cooperating with the court in the pursuit of justice.
He also stressed that countries which established the ICC have a particular responsibility to protect its independence and ensure its continued operation. He called on nations that are not members of the court to respect its work and independence.
The latest US measures come amid a prolonged dispute between Washington and the ICC over the court’s jurisdiction and investigations involving American personnel and Israeli officials.
The United States has historically opposed the ICC’s exercise of jurisdiction over nationals of countries that have not joined the court, particularly where American officials believe such investigations threaten US sovereignty or national interests.
Since February 2025, the Trump administration has imposed sanctions on several ICC officials, including nine of the court’s 18 judges, its former prosecutor, both deputy prosecutors and a senior staff member, according to Türk’s statement.
The UN human rights chief had previously warned that sanctions targeting judges and prosecutors for carrying out their official duties undermine the rule of law and threaten the independence of international justice institutions.
Türk also condemned separate convictions handed down in absentia by Russian courts against the former ICC prosecutor and eight judges, who received prison sentences of up to 15 years.
He argued that the international community should strengthen mechanisms for investigating and prosecuting serious violations rather than penalising those involved in documenting and pursuing accountability for such crimes.
“It is abundantly clear in all the conflicts and crises that plague our world that impunity fuels violence and suffering,” Türk said.
“We need to be investing more in ensuring justice and accountability — rather than penalizing those who are documenting, investigating and prosecuting serious violations,” he added.
The UN official called for all sanctions against the ICC and its personnel to be withdrawn, warning that continued restrictions could weaken the institution’s ability to carry out investigations and prosecutions.
The ICC also rejected the latest US sanctions, describing them as an attempt to obstruct justice and undermine the international legal order. The court said it would continue working to fulfil its mandate despite the measures.
Established under the Rome Statute, the ICC 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.
Although the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, the court’s investigations and decisions have frequently generated diplomatic tensions with Washington, particularly in cases involving American nationals and officials from countries allied with the United States.
The latest sanctions have prompted renewed concerns among international legal observers and human rights organisations about the potential consequences for the court’s operations, its personnel and individuals who cooperate with its investigations.
Türk’s intervention adds to growing international calls for governments to protect the independence of international judicial institutions and prevent political pressure from obstructing accountability for serious crimes.
The dispute is likely to intensify debate over the limits of national sovereignty, the authority of international courts and the responsibilities of states in supporting mechanisms designed to prosecute grave violations of international law.
Street News Reporters will continue to monitor developments surrounding the sanctions and the international response.
