In a strong condemnation, the call was made following a spate of sanctions against four more personnel of the Court—two judges and two deputy prosecutors—over their investigation into alleged war crimes committed by the US and Israel, joining four judges and the ICC Prosecutor who faced similar measures. These sanctions might restrict financial access to US-based properties or assets and impose travel bans.
‘Attack on the Rule of Law’
“The continuous escalation of US retaliations against international institutions and their officials must cease,” declared Mr. Türk, highlighting that penalizing judges and prosecutors for fulfilling their mandates under international law standards is “a direct attack on the rule of law, undermining justice.”
The sanctions were introduced by an executive order from US President Donald Trump, responding to the ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant over allegedly committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, the ICC is investigating war crimes purportedly committed by all parties, including the US, during the conflict in Afghanistan following the invasion in October 2001. Neither the US nor Israel is a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that founded the ICC.
A Call for Action
Mr. Türk urged for the revocation of sanctions against ICC personnel and those affecting the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He called on states to take prompt action to protect these individuals, including encouraging corporations within their jurisdictions to refrain from enforcing the sanctions.
“States must rise to defend the institutions they’ve established to uphold and protect human rights and the rule of law,” Mr. Türk asserted. Those documenting, investigating, and prosecuting severe breaches of international law should not operate in a state of fear.
About the International Criminal Court
The ICC is responsible for investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. It has been involved in cases concerning Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Libya, among others. In March 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding alleged war crimes involving the deportation and “illegal transfer” of children from occupied Ukraine. Established in 2002 and headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, the ICC plays a critical role in maintaining international justice and accountability.
Source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2025/08/1165696
