World
EU Awards ICC Highest Human Rights Prize Amid US Sanctions
The European Union has awarded the International Criminal Court (ICC) its top human rights prize, the Sakharov Prize, on Thursday. The award comes less than two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump announced sanctions aimed at dismantling the court. The Sakharov Prize is the second international recognition for the war‑crimes tribunal this month; former ICC judge Navi Pillay also received the Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting peace and international law.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the prize recognises the court’s important work in upholding international law and justice, noting that the EU is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions. The ICC thanked the European Parliament for the honour, saying it comes “at a time when the Court and its officials face unprecedented challenges.” ICC President Tomoko Akane added that the prize “reaffirms the importance of independent judicial institutions and of those who work to uphold international law.”
The Trump administration has targeted the ICC since the court announced 2024 arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The U.S. has promised to dismantle the court “brick by brick,” recently announcing sanctions that aim to cripple its day‑to‑day operations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions would ban transactions with the court, cutting off its resources and “crippling its ability to operate.” Washington has also sanctioned ICC judges and prosecutors, a UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, and Palestinian rights groups that have provided evidence to the court.
In response, the EU has expressed its support for the ICC and said it is “ready to take any necessary measures” to ensure the court can continue functioning. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen posted online that the ICC must be free to pursue its mission independently and without pressure or intimidation. Brussels is hoping to use the delay before the U.S. sanctions take effect to try to persuade Washington to back down, while also considering a “blocking statute” to shield the ICC from U.S. actions.
Frequently asked questions
Which prize did the EU award to the ICC?
The EU awarded the ICC its Sakharov Prize, the EU's top human rights award.
What action did the US take against the ICC?
The US announced sanctions aimed at dismantling the court, banning transactions with the ICC and cutting off its resources.
Who is the European Parliament President who commented on the award?
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the prize recognises the court’s important work in upholding international law and justice.