UN Rights Chief Condemns “Relentless Intensification” of US Sanctions on ICC Personnel
New York, August 21, 2025 – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has voiced grave concern over what is described as a “relentless intensification” of United States sanctions targeting staff members of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The High Commissioner’s statement, released today, condemns the punitive measures as a significant impediment to international justice and a violation of fundamental principles of cooperation among states.
The sanctions, first imposed in 2020 and significantly expanded in recent times, are understood to target individuals within the ICC who are involved in investigations that have drawn criticism from the US administration. These investigations have notably included alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Afghanistan and, more recently, potential actions in Ukraine.
The UN rights chief articulated that these sanctions represent a disturbing trend of political interference in the work of an independent judicial body, established to hold perpetrators of the most serious international crimes accountable. The High Commissioner emphasized that the ICC plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law globally and in providing a avenue for justice for victims when national systems are unable or unwilling to prosecute.
“The imposition of sanctions against individuals for carrying out their professional duties within an international court is unprecedented and deeply troubling,” the statement read. “It sends a chilling message to all those involved in the pursuit of accountability for mass atrocities and undermines the very foundations of international cooperation in combating impunity.”
The High Commissioner further highlighted the potential negative consequences of these actions, including the erosion of trust in international legal mechanisms and the potential for political coercion to influence judicial processes. It was also pointed out that such measures could inadvertently harm the very victims of atrocities the ICC seeks to serve, by hindering the court’s ability to conduct its vital work.
The UN Human Rights Office reiterated its call for all states to uphold their commitments to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, and to support the Court’s independent functioning. The statement urged the United States to reconsider its current approach, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing any concerns rather than resorting to punitive measures that could have far-reaching negative implications for global human rights and justice efforts.
The international community continues to observe this developing situation closely, with many nations and human rights organizations echoing the UN rights chief’s concerns and advocating for a resolution that respects the integrity and independence of the International Criminal Court.
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