Press Release
Published on July 14, 2026
Human Rights First condemns the State Department's escalating campaign to weaken the International Criminal Court (ICC), including threats of additional sanctions, visa restrictions, and efforts to pressure countries to withdraw from the Rome Statute. The announcement marks a significant expansion of the Trump administration's efforts to obstruct the Court's work and undermine accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious international crimes.
“The International Criminal Court is not a threat to America – but it is to criminals who think they can commit grave international crimes with impunity,” said Uzra Zeya, President and CEO of Human Rights First. “The Court stands for the principle that might does not equal right, and these blatant efforts by the Trump administration to bully the world into turning its back on this vital institution for justice should be roundly rejected. It is outrageous for the U.S. government to disrespect the sovereignty of the 125 countries who are States Parties to the Rome Statute, and to attempt to pressure them to withdraw from the ICC. These states should be commended for their support of the Court – an international institution whose creation Human Rights First and ally organizations advocated for to ensure justice for international atrocities – and preserving this important pathway for accountability for crimes committed within their territories or by their nationals.”
As part of its global pressure campaign, the Trump administration announced it would consider further sanctions against the ICC and affiliated organizations, and visa bans against ICC personnel. Since January 2025, 15 ICC judges, Court officials, a UN expert, and several human rights organizations have been sanctioned by the administration, reportedly causing devastating personal impacts and crippling the ability of human rights organizations to carry on their work.
“Now is the time for the international community to heed these threats of further sanctions, and take immediate steps to protect the Court’s ability to carry out its vital work, such as adopting blocking statutes to shield the Court, its personnel, and others from U.S. sanctions,” said Amanda Strayer, Senior Counsel for Accountability at Human Rights First. ”Absent such measures, the consequences of U.S. sanctions against the Court would be dire, likely preventing advocates from sharing evidence, forcing Court staff to cease their work, and foreclosing the only chances of accountability for many victims of war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.”
