Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has described U.S. government sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) as “unacceptable” and called for them to be lifted.
On Friday, October 9, Turk said the sanctions must not have a chilling effect on those cooperating with the court to deliver justice.
He urged the 125 countries that are parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC to take immediate action to protect the institution and ensure it can continue its work.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also called on countries that have not yet joined the court to respect its independence and activities.
His remarks came after the United States imposed sanctions, beginning in February 2025, on half of the ICC’s 18 judges, its former prosecutor, two deputy prosecutors and a senior staff member.
Turk stressed that impunity fuels violence and suffering. He said the international community should work harder to ensure justice and accountability rather than punish those who document and pursue cases involving serious human rights violations.
