US Sanctions on ICC Spark International Outcry
Rights groups condemn the move, citing threats to justice and human rights.
The United States’ recent imposition of sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC) has drawn sharp criticism. Rights organizations are speaking out against these actions, warning of the potential harm to international justice and human rights.
Rights Groups Condemn US Sanctions
Multiple rights groups have voiced strong disapproval of recent US sanctions. These measures target the ICC itself, its staff, and those cooperating with it. This includes the ICC prosecutor and four judges. The coalition, including the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, Human Rights Watch, and others, has spoken out.
The U.S. sanctions are a blatant attempt to obstruct justice and undermine the rule of law. We stand with the ICC and all those who seek accountability for atrocities. #ICC #HumanRights
— Organization Name (@OrgHandle) June 2, 2025
The groups emphasize that the ICC is an independent judicial body. They expect it to address the most serious crimes. They also stress that political influence from outside powers is inappropriate. The sanctions on officials of a neutral organization may weaken the international justice system. They also could imperil human rights and the rule of law. The UN Human Rights Council heard a plea from lawyer and UN representative Francesca Restifo.
“No one is above the law. We must stand with victims and those who seek justice, and we must stand united against impunity.”
—Francesca Restifo, Lawyer and UN Representative
The International Criminal Court has faced challenges. Currently, over 120 states are parties to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. However, the United States, along with several other major powers, is not a member. This can lead to accusations of bias and inconsistency in the court’s work. (Council on Foreign Relations, 2024)
The Sanctions’ Context
The actions follow US President Donald Trump signing an Executive Order. It stated any ICC effort to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute protected persons is a threat to US security. The US sanctions stem from the court’s issuance of arrest warrants. They were aimed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They faced charges of war crimes against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I found that Netanyahu and Gallant might be culpable in war crimes. This included using starvation as a tactic and engaging in inhumane acts against Palestinians. The court also targeted four judges. They include Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou from Benin, Solomy Balungi Bossa from Uganda, Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza from Peru, and Beti Hohler from Slovenia.
The US accused the ICC of acting “illegitimate and baseless.” It claimed the court set a dangerous precedent and endangered current and former US personnel. The sanctions disregard legal norms, promoting selective justice. Head of State immunity does not apply under the Rome Statute.
The situation highlights a continued struggle between the pursuit of international justice and the assertion of national sovereignty. The long-term implications of these sanctions on the ICC and the future of international law remain unclear.
