The Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) has joined leading legal and professional organisations from across the world in issuing a joint statement condemning the latest sanctions imposed by the United States against the International Criminal Court (ICC), announced on 9 October 2026.
The ICC is an independent judicial institution and a cornerstone of the international legal order. Established by the 1998 Rome Statute, the Court has a mandate to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of the gravest international crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. With 125 States Parties, the Court plays a critical role in promoting accountability, justice and the prevention of future atrocities.
The joint statement expresses grave concern about the growing use of sanctions against the Court, its personnel and those who engage with it. The sanctions announced on 9 October 2026 mark a significant escalation, targeting the Court itself and threatening its ability to fulfil its mandate independently and effectively.
As the statement notes, the consequences of these measures extend well beyond the Court’s officials. Sanctions risk obstructing investigations and prosecutions, undermining witness protection measures, limiting access to justice for victims and weakening accountability mechanisms for some of the most serious crimes under international law.
BHRC joins the coalition in urging:
- The immediate withdrawal of all sanctions imposed against the ICC and its personnel;
- The withdrawal of sanctions against the UN Special Rapporteur and civil society organisations arising from their engagement with the Court;
- An end to measures that interfere with the independent administration of justice;
- Strong diplomatic efforts by States Parties to the Rome Statute to secure the reversal of the sanctions; and
- Effective measures to protect the independence, integrity and functioning of the ICC and all those who support its work.
At a time when international legal institutions are facing increasing pressure, BHRC believes that the independence of courts and legal professionals must be protected. Upholding accountability for the gravest international crimes is fundamental to the rule of law and the protection of human rights worldwide.
BHRC is proud to stand alongside legal organisations across multiple jurisdictions in reaffirming support for the independence, impartiality and integrity of the International Criminal Court and in opposing measures that threaten its ability to carry out its judicial mandate.
Read the full statement: Joint statement ICC sanctions
