UN condemns newly announced US sanctions against ICC

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned newly announced United States sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an institution, warning they threaten its ability to deliver justice for victims of international crimes.

He called the decision a serious blow to international criminal justice.

His statement follows Nobel Peace Prize laureate Navi Pillay ‘s warning to SABC News that independent courts were under attack.

The SG’s Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Guterres was calling upon all states to uphold their commitments under international law, and to support efforts aimed at ensuring accountability for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk on Friday called for immediate measures to protect the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the United States imposed “unacceptable” sanctions upon it.

“These sanctions – the latest in a series of retaliatory steps against the ICC and its personnel for the work they do every day to advance accountability for the very worst violations of human rights – are unacceptable,” Turk said.

EU countries including host country the Netherlands will take measures to keep the ICC functioning after the United States impose sanctions on it, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and EU Council President Antonio Costa said at a joint press conference on Friday.

Jetten said it was “crucial” that there is still time to continue talks with the US during the six-month period before the sanctions take effect. – additional report by Reuters