Guterres Voices Serious Concern Over US Sanctions on ICC Officials

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed serious concern over the United States’ decision to impose sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye.

The move marks another escalation in the Trump administration’s campaign against the Hague-based court, which was established in 2002 to prosecute war crimes.

The sanctions were imposed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday. Speaking at a UN briefing in New York, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Guterres was concerned both about the latest designations and the continued targeting of ICC employees.

He added that although the UN and ICC are separate institutions with different mandates, the United Nations considers the court a key pillar of international criminal justice.

• Guterres voices concern over new US sanctions targeting senior ICC officials
• Washington defends sanctions as ICC faces growing pressure over its investigations
• Japan and other allies reaffirm support for the International Criminal Court

UN Raises Concerns Over ICC Pressure

Guterres’ comments come as tensions between Washington and the ICC continue to deepen. The United States has repeatedly rejected the court’s authority over U.S. citizens and has criticised its investigations involving American and Israeli officials. Washington argues that the ICC has exceeded its jurisdiction and has accused the institution of acting in a politically motivated manner.

The latest sanctions target Akane, a Japanese national who serves as ICC president, and Seye, a Senegalese senior trial lawyer. The measures are part of a broader U.S. effort to pressure the court over cases involving countries that have not accepted its jurisdiction. The ICC has jurisdiction over serious international crimes in member states and in certain cases referred to it by the UN Security Council.

The United States is not among the 125 countries that are parties to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. Other major non-member states include China, Russia and Israel. The court has nevertheless pursued investigations involving nationals of non-member countries when it says it has a legal basis to do so under the Rome Statute.

Washington Defends Sanctions Against Court

The Trump administration has defended its actions against the ICC, arguing that the court has improperly targeted U.S. and Israeli officials. The latest sanctions follow earlier measures against ICC judges, prosecutors and other employees as Washington continues its sanctions against ICC officials.

The sanctions can freeze assets under U.S. jurisdiction and restrict access to the American financial system. They have raised concerns among international officials and rights groups that such measures could interfere with the court’s ability to carry out ICC investigations and judicial proceedings.

The ICC has strongly criticised the U.S. measures, describing them as an attack on its independence and the international legal system. The court has said it will continue its work despite the pressure, maintaining its commitment to international justice.

Allies Express Support for ICC

The latest U.S. action has also drawn criticism from some American allies. Japan described the sanctions against Akane as “very unfortunate” and reaffirmed its support for the ICC. The Netherlands, which hosts the court in The Hague, has also expressed opposition to the measures and maintained its support for the institution and its role in global justice.

The growing dispute has created a difficult situation for countries that support the ICC while maintaining close relations with Washington. European governments and other ICC members face pressure to defend the court’s independence while managing broader US-ICC tensions.

For the United Nations, Guterres’ statement underscores the importance of maintaining international mechanisms for accountability. While the UN and ICC operate independently, the secretary-general’s comments signal concern that continued pressure on ICC officials could weaken efforts to prosecute some of the world’s most serious human rights crimes.

AlsoRead: France to Expel Two Iranian Diplomats Over Tehran Embassy Dispute

The latest sanctions therefore extend beyond the individuals directly targeted. They have become part of a broader debate over the authority of international courts, national sovereignty and the future of global accountability.