US President Donald Trump has authorized sanctions targeting the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move that has been widely criticized by human rights groups and ICC member countries. The sanctions, authorized through an executive order issued on February 6, 2025, allow for asset freezes and entry bans on ICC officials and others supporting the court’s work.
The ICC is a permanent international court created to try people, including senior officials, accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and crimes of aggression. Currently, 125 countries, nearly two-thirds of United Nations members, have joined the court.
The sanctions are seen as a direct challenge to the ICC’s investigation into alleged war crimes committed by US and Israeli officials. In November 2024, ICC judges issued warrants of arrest for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The ICC’s investigation into the situation in Palestine has been a major point of contention between the US and the ICC. The US has long been critical of the ICC’s investigation, arguing that it is biased against Israel.
The sanctions authorized by Trump are not limited to ICC officials but also target others who support the court’s work. This includes individuals and organizations that provide assistance to the ICC’s investigations.
Human rights groups have condemned the sanctions, arguing that they undermine international accountability for the worst crimes and deprive victims around the globe of justice. Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch, said that Trump’s executive order “effectively puts the United States on the side of war criminals at the expense of victims of grave crimes seeking justice”.
The sanctions have also been criticized by ICC member countries, which have spoken out against efforts to obstruct the court’s work. The European Union has also condemned the sanctions, with the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Josep Borrell, saying that the EU “will continue to support the ICC and its important work”.
The US has a long history of opposing the ICC, dating back to the Bush administration. In 2002, the US Congress passed the American Service-Members’ Protection Act, which authorized the president to use military force to extract US citizens and allies from ICC custody.
Despite this opposition, the ICC has continued to investigate and prosecute cases involving war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The court has issued warrants of arrest for several high-profile individuals, including Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The sanctions authorized by Trump are likely to have a significant impact on the ICC’s work. The court relies on cooperation from countries around the world to investigate and prosecute cases, and the sanctions could make it more difficult for the court to obtain this cooperation.
In addition to the sanctions, the US has also taken other steps to undermine the ICC’s work. In 2020, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on then-ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and another senior court official, following Bensouda’s decision to request authorization to open an investigation into the situation in Afghanistan.
The Biden administration rescinded these sanctions, but the US has continued to oppose the ICC’s investigation into the situation in Palestine. The US has argued that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the case and that the investigation is biased against Israel.
The ICC’s investigation into the situation in Palestine has been ongoing since 2015 and has focused on alleged war crimes committed by both Israeli and Palestinian forces. The investigation has been widely criticized by Israel and its allies, who argue that it is biased and lacks jurisdiction.
Despite these criticisms, the ICC has continued to investigate and prosecute cases involving war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The court has issued warrants of arrest for several high-profile individuals and has convicted several others of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The sanctions authorized by Trump are likely to have a significant impact on the ICC’s work and could undermine international accountability for the worst crimes. Human rights groups and ICC member countries have condemned the sanctions, and have called on the US to reverse its opposition to the ICC.
The ICC is a crucial institution for holding individuals accountable for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The court’s work is essential for ensuring that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice and that victims receive the justice they deserve.
Despite the challenges it faces, the ICC remains committed to its mission of investigating and prosecuting cases involving war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The court will continue to work towards justice and accountability, despite the obstacles posed by the US sanctions.
The US sanctions on the ICC are a significant setback for international justice.
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