UN Rights Chief Slams US Sanctions on ICC Judges, Calls it “Deeply Corrosive” to Justice
Geneva, June 6, 2025 – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has strongly condemned the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), labeling the move as “deeply corrosive” to the pursuit of justice. The statement, released earlier today, highlights the escalating tension between the US and the ICC over investigations into alleged war crimes.
What’s happening?
The core issue revolves around the ICC’s ongoing investigations into potential war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in various regions, including the Palestinian territories and potentially by US personnel in Afghanistan. The United States, which is not a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, has consistently opposed the court’s jurisdiction over its citizens and allies.
Why is the US sanctioning ICC judges?
The US administration has argued that the ICC’s investigations are politically motivated and undermine US sovereignty. They maintain that US military personnel and officials are subject to US law and that the US has its own mechanisms for investigating and prosecuting any alleged wrongdoing.
To deter the ICC from pursuing these investigations, the US has imposed sanctions on ICC officials, including judges, prosecutors, and potentially even staff. These sanctions can include asset freezes, visa bans, and other economic restrictions aimed at making it difficult for these individuals to carry out their work.
Why is the UN concerned?
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a statement released today, expressed serious concern about the impact of these sanctions on the ICC’s ability to function independently and effectively. The UN argues that:
- Sanctions undermine the rule of law: The UN emphasizes that the ICC is an independent international court established to investigate and prosecute the most serious crimes under international law, where national jurisdictions are unwilling or unable to do so. Sanctions against its officials undermine the court’s legitimacy and the broader principle of international justice.
- They intimidate judges and prosecutors: The sanctions are seen as an attempt to intimidate judges and prosecutors and deter them from pursuing investigations into powerful states or individuals. This could create a chilling effect and hinder the pursuit of justice for victims of atrocities.
- They hinder accountability: The UN argues that holding individuals accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity is essential for preventing future atrocities and promoting lasting peace. The sanctions against ICC officials could undermine these efforts.
- They violate international norms: While the US is not a member of the ICC, many countries are. The sanctions are perceived by some as a violation of international norms and an attempt to bully the international community into accepting the US’s position.
What are the potential consequences?
The US sanctions against ICC judges could have far-reaching consequences:
- Reduced accountability for war crimes: If the ICC is unable to effectively investigate and prosecute alleged war crimes, it could lead to impunity and embolden perpetrators of future atrocities.
- Weakened international justice system: The sanctions could weaken the international justice system and erode confidence in international institutions.
- Increased polarization: The issue has already created significant tension between the US and many of its allies, who support the ICC. The sanctions could further polarize international relations.
- Damage to US reputation: The US’s opposition to the ICC and its sanctions against ICC officials have been widely criticized by human rights organizations and international law experts. This could damage the US’s reputation as a defender of human rights and the rule of law.
What happens next?
The UN has called on the US to reconsider its decision to impose sanctions on ICC officials and to support the court’s work in promoting justice and accountability. Other countries and international organizations are also likely to continue to pressure the US to change its policy.
The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear how the US will respond to the international criticism. However, the UN’s strong condemnation of the sanctions highlights the serious concerns about the impact of the US policy on the pursuit of justice and the future of the international justice system.
In short, the US sanctions against the ICC are causing a major international dispute. The UN is worried that they will stop the ICC from doing its job: investigating and prosecuting war crimes. This could make it harder to hold people accountable for terrible acts, weaken the system of international justice, and further divide countries around the world.
US decision to sanction ICC judges ‘deeply corrosive’ to justice: UN rights chief
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At 2025-06-06 12:00, ‘US decision to sanction ICC judges ‘deeply corrosive’ to justice: UN rights chief’ was published according to Top Stories. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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