US Sanctions Two More ICC Officials, Human Rights Watch Raises Fresh Concerns Over International Justice
The United States government has imposed sanctions on two additional officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC), prompting renewed concerns from human rights organizations over what they describe as growing pressure on international justice institutions.
The latest sanctions, announced on August 18, 2026, target Tomoko Akane of Japan, President of the International Criminal Court, and Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal, a senior ICC trial lawyer.
The measures were imposed under an executive order issued by US President Donald Trump in February 2025 targeting the ICC.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) said the new designations represent another escalation in the Trump administration’s campaign against the court and its officials.
Human Rights Groups Challenge ICC Sanctions in US Court
The latest sanctions come just one week after Human Rights Watch, together with the American Friends Service Committee, Center for Constitutional Rights and Open Society Institute, filed a lawsuit in a US federal court challenging the Trump administration’s use of sanctions against ICC officials and other individuals and organizations.
The lawsuit challenges sanctions imposed against ICC prosecutors and judges, a United Nations human rights expert, and three Palestinian human rights organizations.
The organizations argue that the sanctions undermine the ability of international justice institutions and human rights defenders to carry out their work without political interference.
According to Human Rights Watch, the latest designations further demonstrate the seriousness of the concerns raised in the lawsuit.
HRW Condemns Pressure on International Criminal Court
Balkees Jarrah, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch, condemned the decision, describing it as an attempt to undermine accountability for serious international crimes.
“The US government’s decision to sanction two more ICC officials is just the latest example of the Trump administration’s utter contempt for international law and a naked attempt to shield American and Israeli officials implicated in serious crimes from justice,” Jarrah said.
She called on ICC member states to strongly condemn what she described as the misuse of sanctions and to take measures to protect the court’s ability to conduct its mandate.
The ICC plays a central role in investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression when jurisdictional requirements are met.
Implications for International Justice
The confrontation between Washington and the ICC raises broader questions about the independence of international justice institutions and the ability of courts to investigate alleged international crimes involving powerful states and political actors.
Human Rights Watch said ICC member countries should ensure that the court can continue its work on behalf of survivors of some of the world’s most serious crimes, including situations in Afghanistan, Palestine, Sudan and Ukraine.
The organization argues that international justice must be applied consistently and independently, regardless of the political influence or nationality of those under investigation.
Why the ICC Matters
For survivors of mass atrocities, international courts can provide an avenue for accountability when domestic institutions are unwilling or unable to investigate serious crimes.
Attempts to intimidate, sanction or otherwise obstruct judicial officials therefore have implications beyond individual cases. They can affect the broader international accountability system and potentially discourage investigators, prosecutors and judges from pursuing sensitive cases.
The Human Rights and Legal Research Centre believes that the independence of judicial institutions and respect for international humanitarian and human rights law are essential pillars of sustainable peace and accountability.
The current dispute also underscores the importance of protecting international mechanisms designed to ensure that victims of grave crimes are not forgotten and that alleged perpetrators are subject to credible, independent legal scrutiny.
A Test for the International Justice System
The sanctions against Tomoko Akane and Abdoulaye Seye come at a critical moment for international justice.
As conflicts and allegations of serious violations continue in different parts of the world, the ability of courts such as the ICC to operate independently remains crucial.
The response of ICC member states and the broader international community could therefore have lasting consequences for the future of international criminal justice.
International justice cannot be credible if it is protected only when politically convenient. Its legitimacy depends on independence, impartiality and the equal application of the law.
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
