UN Raises Alarm Over Threats to ICC Independence, Condemns Pressure on Court

Shibbir Ahmed, New York — The United Nations General Assembly has voiced concern over sanctions, threats and intimidation targeting judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC), as the Court’s president warned that its independence is facing an unprecedented challenge.

ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane delivered the warning while presenting the Court’s annual report to the General Assembly on Monday, November 2. She reaffirmed that the Court would continue carrying out its judicial mandate independently and impartially despite mounting pressure.

Akane addressed the Assembly through a prerecorded video message, marking the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the ICC president had not appeared in person to deliver the address. The remote appearance followed sanctions imposed by the United States against the Court on October 9, 2026.

The ICC president said the Court’s judicial proceedings continued to advance at every stage, including investigations, arrest warrants, confirmation of charges, trials, appeals and reparations. During the reporting period, more than 23,500 victims participated in proceedings before the Court, including over 7,000 at the reparations stage.

Akane also said that 34 publicly known arrest warrants remained outstanding. She stressed that cooperation from member states is essential to enforcing those warrants, noting that states parties to the Rome Statute have a legal obligation to cooperate with the Court, including through the arrest and surrender of suspects.

Delegates at the General Assembly expressed sharply differing views on the ICC’s role in delivering international justice. However, the debate underscored growing international concern over the pressure facing the institution and the importance of protecting its judicial independence.

Akane said the Court remained determined to act solely on the basis of law and evidence. She urged the international community to continue supporting the institution and its mandate to combat impunity for the world’s gravest crimes.

Established in 2002, the International Criminal Court prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. It operates under the Rome Statute and can exercise its jurisdiction in circumstances where national authorities are unwilling or unable genuinely to investigate or prosecute such crimes.