Sanctions Showdown UN Slams US Over ICC Judge Penalties!

UN Human Rights Chief Urges US to Withdraw Sanctions on ICC Judges

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has issued a strong call for the United States to immediately withdraw sanctions imposed on judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The sanctions, announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, target four female judges involved in sensitive investigations concerning alleged war crimes in Afghanistan and the recent arrest warrants issued for top Israeli officials.

Türk expressed his profound concern over the measures, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law. "I am profoundly disturbed by the sanctions imposed on ICC judges and call for their prompt reconsideration and withdrawal," he stated. "Attacks against judges run directly counter to respect for the rule of law and the equal protection of the law – values for which the US has long stood."

The sanctions target:

• Solomy Balungi Bossa (Uganda)
• Luz del Carmen Ibáñez Carranza (Peru)
• Reine Adelaide Sophie Alapini Gansou (Benin)
• Beti Hohler (Slovenia)

The US sanctions entail the blocking of all property and interests owned by the judges within the US, which must then be reported to the Treasury Department.

Why are these sanctions in place? The US justification centers around the ICC's investigation into alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan and, more recently, the issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant concerning their actions in Gaza.

Marco Rubio accused the judges of "illegitimate and baseless actions" and described the ICC as "politicised." He further asserted that the ICC "falsely claims unfettered discretion" to investigate nationals of the US and its allies.

The ICC's Response: The International Criminal Court has responded with firm condemnation, stating that it "deplores" the sanctions and views them as "a clear attempt to undermine" its independence.

Key points from the ICC's statement:

• The ICC "stands fully behind its personnel" and will continue its work "undeterred."
• "Targeting those working for accountability does nothing to help civilians trapped in conflict."
• "These sanctions are not only directed at designated individuals, they also target all those who support the Court... They are aimed against innocent victims in all situations before the Court."

Background of the Investigations: Last year, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The judges stated there were "reasonable grounds" the men bore "criminal responsibility" for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The move by the US follows a pattern. In February, then-President Trump imposed economic sanctions against the ICC, including against its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, citing the court's "abused power." According to the US State Department, Judges Bossa and Ibáñez Carranza authorized the ICC’s investigation against US personnel in Afghanistan, while Judges Alapini Gansou and Hohler ruled to issue the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant.

This situation highlights the ongoing tension between the US and the International Criminal Court. The UN's call for the withdrawal of sanctions underscores the importance of international cooperation and the need to protect the independence of judicial institutions like the ICC. The international community now awaits the US response, which will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of international justice and accountability.

Ultimately, the pursuit of justice and accountability on the global stage necessitates respecting the integrity of international judicial bodies and ensuring their ability to operate without undue pressure or interference.

Tags: UN, human rights, ICC, US sanctions, Israel, Netanyahu, Volker Turk, judges, war crimes, Afghanistan, International Criminal Court, sanctions

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce80pl1xrllo