The United Nations (UN) is warning the United States (US) to stop punishing judges and prosecutors from the International Criminal Court (ICC) after Washington announced new sanctions this week.
On Wednesday, the US hit two ICC judges and two prosecutors with sanctions. What made this move even more controversial was that some of those targeted were from US allies like France and Canada. The sanctions are part of America’s effort to weaken the court, especially because of the ICC’s actions related to Israel and Gaza.
Last year, the ICC made a historic decision:
-
It issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which included heavy bombings and a blockade.
-
At the same time, the ICC also issued a warrant against Hamas leader Ibrahim Al-Masri, accusing him of crimes linked to the conflict.
This move by the ICC angered Washington, which strongly supports Israel. In response, the US began targeting ICC officials with sanctions—measures that can freeze their assets, restrict travel, and hurt their professional work.
On Thursday, Volker Turk, the UN’s Human Rights Chief, spoke out against the US actions. He said:
“The US must stop these endless reprisals against international institutions and their people.”
He explained that punishing ICC staff for simply doing their job is an attack on justice and the rule of law. Turk demanded that the sanctions be removed immediately.
Turk also called on other countries to protect the ICC judges and prosecutors who were sanctioned. He urged states to make sure that corporations in their territories do not follow the US sanctions, so that ICC officials can keep doing their work safely.
He added, “Countries need to defend the very institutions they created to protect human rights and international law. Those who investigate and prosecute serious crimes should not have to live or work in fear.”
The standoff shows a growing clash between powerful nations and global justice institutions. For the UN, the battle is about protecting fairness and human rights. For the US, it’s about defending its allies and its political interests. The outcome of this conflict could affect the future of international law.
