International Criminal Court Rejects Sweeping New US Sanctions

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected the US sanctions imposed on the institution, stating that it will continue to discharge its mandate with independence and impartiality.

The ICC was created by treaty and entrusted by 125 States Parties with investigating and prosecuting genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.

The US sanctions target an independent judicial institution, which is an attempt to obstruct the course of justice and prevent the Court from doing what it was created to do.

The ICC President, Tomoko Akane, said that the Court will not be deterred and will continue to act only on the basis of the law and the evidence for the sake of the countless victims of grave crimes.

The Court calls upon States to continue taking concrete actions to ensure that it continues to have the necessary means to continue its work, which is not just about defending a single institution but about safeguarding the international order grounded upon the rule of law.

The ICC emphasizes that no one should be punished for serving the cause of justice, and history will judge this moment, with future generations and the victims of mass atrocities asking how the international community responded when an institution created to protect them came under attack.