The United States' decision to impose new sanctions on the International Criminal Court this Friday (9) was publicly condemned by several international authorities.
The announcement, which occurred hours after one of the ICC's former judges, Navi Pillay, was announced as the winner of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, mobilized ministers from European countries, as well as international bodies such as the UN.
The current United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, who holds the position held by Pillay until 2014 - said in a statement that the sanctions were "unacceptable".
"These sanctions - the latest to date in a series of reprisal measures against the CPI and its staff for the work they do every day to advance accountability for the most serious human rights violations - are unacceptable," declared Volker Türk.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, also criticized the measure, which he called a "severe blow", and said he was "deeply alarmed" by the consequences it could have.
"Today's decision represents a severe blow to our collective quest for international criminal justice, of which the ICC is a fundamental pillar. The Secretary-General reiterates his unwavering support for the independence of the Court and its staff," his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, told reporters.
See other statements condemning US sanctions on the ICC:
International Criminal Court
"This is an attempt to obstruct the course of justice and prevent the Court from doing what it was created to do. It is an attack on the rule of law and the very foundations of the international legal order, which strikes at the basic principle that no one is above the law."
Nazhat Shameem Khan, ICC Deputy Prosecutor
"The sanctions aim to undermine the rule of law internationally and the work that an independent judicial institution is doing. Our work will continue in all of our situations, our investigations and our prosecutions."
European Commission
"It is deeply regrettable that the United States has announced its intention to impose sanctions. The European Union stands ready to take all necessary measures to enable the court to carry out its work, both in investigating and prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity, and in protecting the interests of EU operators in the single market."
Joint statement by chancellors
The foreign ministers of Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom signed the document.
"As committed supporters of the ICC, we regret and strongly disagree with the announcement of the sanctions to be imposed on the Court by the United States. If implemented, these sanctions will have a significant impact on the work of the court, its dedicated staff, and their families. We remain united in our support of the ICC and committed to maintaining a constructive and inclusive dialogue with non-member states."
Tom Berendsen, Chancellor of the Netherlands, seat of the ICC
"This is a deeply regrettable move. We will maintain our strong defense of the Court. At the same time, it is important to highlight that the sanctions will not take effect immediately and that service providers can continue to work for the ICC. The six-month period before the sanctions come into force creates space for dialogue."
