Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has condemned the new US sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) as "unacceptable" and has called for them to be lifted. He urged the 125 member states of the Rome Statute to take immediate action to protect the court and ensure its continued independent operations.
In a statement, Mr. Türk emphasized the importance of combating impunity rather than targeting individuals who are seeking to ensure justice and accountability. He stated that the independence of the ICC is paramount and must be protected from political pressure. His call to action aims to rally international support for the court amid growing pressure from Washington.
The sanctions, imposed by the United States, target ICC officials involved in investigations into the actions of US personnel and its allies. These measures have been widely criticized by human rights organizations and several countries, who see them as an attempt to undermine international justice.
According to UN sources, Mr. Türk's statement highlights a critical moment for the international legal order. He stressed that instead of penalizing those working for justice, the focus should be on holding perpetrators of serious international crimes accountable. This stance reaffirms the UN's commitment to the rule of law and the fight against impunity.
The ICC, based in The Hague, was established to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court, and has long opposed its jurisdiction over American citizens.
The High Commissioner's intervention seeks to mobilize the international community to safeguard the ICC's mandate. He warned that actions aimed at weakening the court could have severe consequences for victims of atrocities worldwide who look to the ICC as a last resort for justice.
Source: UN News
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