UN Chief Urges States to Uphold International Law Amid ICC Sanctions

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and eight countries have criticised US sanctions against the International Criminal Court, warning that the measures could undermine international justice, weaken accountability for serious crimes, and threaten the court’s independence and ability to fulfil its mandate.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and foreign ministers from eight countries have criticised the United States’ announcement of sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), warning that the measures could undermine international criminal justice and affect the court’s ability to carry out its responsibilities.

Guterres expressed deep concern over the potential impact of the sanctions on the ICC and its continued ability to fulfil its mandate, including investigations and proceedings related to situations referred to it by the United Nations Security Council and states parties to the Rome Statute.

Speaking on Friday, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Guterres was “deeply alarmed” by the expected consequences of the sanctions for the court as an institution.

According to Dujarric, the decision represents a serious setback for international efforts to ensure accountability for serious crimes and deliver justice to victims. He emphasised that the ICC plays a significant role in the international justice system and contributes to broader commitments to peace, security, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The UN chief also reiterated his strong support for the independence of the ICC and its officials. He called on all countries to uphold their obligations under international law and support efforts to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes affecting the international community.

The criticism from the United Nations came as foreign ministers from Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement opposing the US announcement.

The eight countries, all states parties to the Rome Statute, expressed regret and strong opposition to the decision to impose sanctions against the international court. They reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the ICC’s independence, impartiality and integrity.

In their joint statement, the countries stressed that the court remains an important institution for upholding international criminal justice. Their response highlighted concerns about the broader implications of sanctions against an international judicial body responsible for addressing serious crimes under its jurisdiction.

The eight nations also pledged to pursue constructive and inclusive dialogue with countries that are not parties to the Rome Statute. They said these efforts would continue ahead of the Assembly of States Parties scheduled for December 2026.
The Assembly of States Parties serves as a key forum for countries that have joined the Rome Statute to discuss matters concerning the court, including its administration, operations and institutional priorities.

Earlier on Friday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against the ICC. He said the measures would prohibit transactions with the court, cut off its resources and severely restrict its ability to operate.

The US announcement triggered criticism from the UN leadership and the eight countries, which stressed the importance of maintaining the court’s independence and supporting international accountability mechanisms.

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The dispute has renewed attention on the challenges facing international judicial institutions and the role of governments in supporting their work. While the United States announced measures intended to restrict the ICC’s operations, the UN chief and the eight countries emphasised the importance of ensuring that the court can continue carrying out its responsibilities under international law.

The developments underscore continuing international disagreements over the ICC’s role, authority and independence, as countries prepare for further discussions at the Assembly of States Parties in December 2026.