REDRESS Condemns US Sanctions on the ICC: A Setback for Victims’ Right to Justice and the Global Fight against Impunity 

REDRESS strongly condemns the US government’s executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) as it undermines justice for victims of the gravest crimes and accountability for perpetrators around the globe. The executive order, issued yesterday, authorises asset freezes and entry bans on ICC officials and others supporting the ICC’s work on investigations involving US nationals and nationals of US allies that have not consented to the Court’s jurisdiction. 

REDRESS joins others in expressing grave concern over the executive order, given the vital role performed by the ICC in investigating the worst international crimes, such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, and the fact that many victims around the world rely on the ICC as their last recourse for accountability. 

Rupert Skilbeck, Director of REDRESS, said: 

“The US executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC is a significant setback for international justice. Sanctions not only threaten the independence and impartiality of the Court but also endanger access to justice for victims of the gravest international crimes. It is imperative that the international community, especially the European Union, its Member States, and other ICC State Parties, act swiftly to prevent and respond to any coercive measures that undermine the ICC and its crucial work.” 

The ICC has been instrumental in bringing justice to victims worldwide and its investigations and prosecutions are essential in ensuring that perpetrators of the most serious international crimes are held accountable.  

“The ICC is an essential pillar of international justice and the global fight against impunity, and its ability to carry out its mandate of investigating and prosecuting the world’s most serious crimes must not be hampered,” added Rupert. “The sanctions set a dangerous precedent that could embolden other States to undermine international justice and accountability.” 

REDRESS calls on the European Union, its Member States, and ICC States Parties to unequivocally condemn these sanctions and take all measures, including enacting blocking statutes to support the ICC and its allies, as well as victims engaging with the Court. We urge the international community to stand firm in their commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights globally.  

For more information, contact Eva Sanchis, Head of Communications, on [email protected] or +44 (0)20 7793 1777. 

Photo by OSeveno, CC BY-SA 4.0.