The United Nations Human Rights Office has denounced the United States decision to impose fresh sanctions on officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
High Commissioner Volker Turk said the “unacceptable” new sanctions — affecting ICC President, Judge Tomoko Akane, and Senior Trial Lawyer Abdoulaye Seye — must be lifted.
Turk urged countries to stand in defence of the institutions they created to uphold and defend human rights and the rule of law, and to “protect court officials targeted by such reprisals”.
The European Union, however, declared “unwavering support” for the Hague-based court, saying it deeply regrets the latest action announced by Washington.
The EU called the ICC a cornerstone of the global fight against impunity, playing a vital role in ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.
“Its independence, impartiality and ability to carry out its mandate must be free from pressure, intimidation or interference,” the bloc’s statement reads.
The EU added that sanctions against the Court and officials undermine their work, assuring continued support for ICC personnel “against external pressures or threats.”
The Trump Administration has now sanctioned 9 of the 18 ICC Judges, both of the two Deputy-Prosecutors, the former Prosecutor and one staff member.
The ICC described the designations as “a flagrant attack” against the independence of an impartial judicial institution operating on the mandate conferred by its States Parties.
Its statement noted that “threats and coercive measures” impact the ability of victims to seek justice, as they turn to the Court when all other avenues have been exhausted.
The ICC said it stands firmly behind its personnel and behind victims of unimaginable atrocities, and will continue to discharge its mandate with independence and impartiality.