US-sanctioned ICC wins Sakharov Prize, EU’s top human rights award
The International Criminal Court has been awarded the European Union's top human rights award, the Sakharov Prize, just two weeks after US President Donald Trump announced sanctions against the court.
The Hague-based ICC received the prestigious award on Thursday, marking the second international recognition for the war crimes tribunal this month. Former ICC Judge Navi Pillay was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this month for her work to promote peace and international law.
EU backs ICC
The European Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized that the EU is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions. "The European Union is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions, and this prize recognises the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice," she said.
Against this backdrop, the Sakharov Prize carries particular significance, reaffirming the importance of independent judicial institutions and of those who work to uphold international law.
US sanctions
The ICC has become a target of Trump's administration since the court issued arrest warrants in 2024 against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The US has promised to dismantle the court "brick by brick" through sanctions that aim to cripple its operations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions, stating: "We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling their ability to operate against us because our message is clear: the United States and the American people are not subject to the jurisdiction of this fake ICC." The sanctions are due to come into force in six months.
EU response
The EU has pledged its support to the ICC, with Ursula von der Leyen stating: "The International Criminal Court must be free to pursue its mission, independently, and without pressure or intimidation." Brussels is considering implementing a "blocking statute" to shield the ICC from US sanctions while attempting to persuade the US to reverse its decision.
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