Coalition for the International Criminal Court

10/12/2026

+120 NGOs from over 60 countries and dozens legal experts, human rights defenders and members of the European Parliament, urgently call on States Parties to defend the Court they themselves established and protect those who cooperate with it. Condemnations alone are not enough; coordinated action is urgently needed to protect the Court's ability to function.

We condemn in the strongest terms the decision by the United States (US) to impose unlawful sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). This unprecedented measure represents a direct attack against the rule of law, the independence of the Court and international justice, ultimately undermining the rights of millions of victims and survivors of mass atrocities worldwide.

For victims, survivors and witnesses in more than a dozen situation countries under investigation by the Court across the globe, the consequences could be profound. Many have waited years for justice, recounted traumatic experiences and placed their trust in the ICC as a last resort for justice. Any disruption to the ICC’s mandate and operations risks impeding their right to justice. It threatens decades of advances in accountability and justice efforts, leaving victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide without a meaningful prospect for accountability, truth and reparations.

Statements of concern and condemnations are no longer a sufficient response to this attack. A coordinated response can no longer be delayed. Three decades ago, States made a promise that no one, no matter how powerful, will be shielded from accountability for international crimes. Victims and survivors have waited decades for a Court capable of delivering justice regardless of power or nationality, and today, the ICC is facing unprecedented pressure precisely because it seeks to apply the law equally.

States Parties established the Court and are uniquely placed to safeguard its independence and effectiveness. Failure to respond decisively risks weakening the international justice system they pledged to uphold.

Join our call to action NOW: https://coalitionfortheicc.org/news/urgent-call-action-states-must-act-now-protect-international-criminal-court-us-sanctions

© Coalition for the ICC

10/12/2026

+120 NGOs from over 60 countries and dozens legal experts, human rights defenders and members of the European Parliament, urgently call on States Parties to defend the Court they themselves established and protecting those who cooperate with it.

Condemnations alone are not enough; coordinated action is urgently needed to protect the Court’s ability to function.

We condemn in the strongest terms the decision by the United States (US) to impose unlawful sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). This unprecedented measure represents a direct attack against the rule of law, the independence of the Court and international justice, ultimately undermining the rights of millions of victims and survivors of mass atrocities worldwide.

For victims, survivors and witnesses in more than a dozen situation countries under investigation by the International Criminal Court across the globe, the consequences could be profound. Many have waited years for justice, recounted traumatic experiences and placed their trust in the ICC as a last resort for justice. Any disruption to the ICC’s mandate and operations risks impeding their right to justice. It threatens decades of advances in accountability and justice efforts, leaving victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide without a meaningful prospect for accountability, truth and reparations.

Statements of concern and condemnations are no longer a sufficient response to this attack. A coordinated response can no longer be delayed. Three decades ago, States made a promise that no one, no matter how powerful, will be shielded from accountability for international crimes.

Victims and survivors have waited decades for a Court capable of delivering justice regardless of power or nationality, and today, the ICC is facing unprecedented pressure precisely because it seeks to apply the law equally. States Parties established the Court and are uniquely placed to safeguard its independence and effectiveness.

Failure to respond decisively risks weakening the international justice system they pledged to uphold.

Join our call to action NOW via the link in bio!

© Coalition for the ICC



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10/09/2026

‼️ THE UNITED STATES IMPOSES SANCTIONS ON THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT 

Today, the U.S. Administration has announced the designation of the International Criminal Court as an institution under Executive Order (E.O.) 14203, “Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court.” 

The Coalition for the International Criminal Court (CICC) condemns in the strongest possible terms the United States administration’s decision to impose unlawful sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC).  

By targeting the Court itself, the United States (US) has taken its campaign against the ICC to an unprecedented level, striking directly at judicial independence, the rule of law and the wider system of international justice. The consequences extend far beyond the institution itself, putting at greater risk the rights, protection and access to justice of millions of victims and survivors of the world’s gravest crimes.  
“Sanctions are intended to make justice impossible by isolating the Court, disrupting its operations and deterring those who work with it. But their consequences reach far beyond an institution in The Hague: despite the resilience of those targeted, sanctions threaten access to justice for victims and survivors of the world’s most serious crimes. States Parties cannot allow coercive measures imposed by a non-State Party to determine whether victims can seek justice,” highlights Alison Smith, CICC Executive Director.  

The 125 States Parties that created the ICC bear a collective responsibility to safeguard its independence and effective functioning and to protect the integrity of the Rome Statute system.

The Coalition calls on States Parties to mount a coordinated and collective response to resist this escalation, safeguard the Court’s independent functioning and operations, and preserve victims’ and survivors’ access to justice and reparations.  

Read our full statement now via the link in bio!

10/09/2026

“Senegal reaffirms its support for the Principles of the Rome Statute.

Senegal has reaffirmed its commitment to the (ICC). This was the message conveyed by the Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Mr Moussa Sarr (Ministère de la Justice Sénégal), during a meeting with a delegation from the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, comprising civil society representatives from Chad, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Morocco.

The delegation welcomed the Minister’s availability before expressing its concerns regarding the pressure being exerted against the ICC and some of its members. It called on Senegal to play a leading role in advocating for States to remain within the Rome Statute system, with a view to preventing impunity.

Referring to the trial of Hissène Habré, the civil society representatives also stressed that the issue of reparations for victims remains a concern, despite the judgment handed down in Senegal. They commended the resilience of the Senegalese judges involved, as well as Senegal’s support for international justice.

In response, the Minister reaffirmed Senegal’s official support for the Senegalese judges serving at the International Criminal Court, as well as the country’s commitment to the principles and values underpinning the Court’s establishment. He recalled, in particular, that during his recent visit to Senegal, he had received the Court’s Deputy Prosecutor, Senegalese national Mame Mandiaye Niang, following the Deputy Prosecutor’s meeting with the Prime Minister.

Finally, referring to the forthcoming Assembly of States Parties in The Hague, the Minister indicated that, subject to his schedule, he may participate in the session. He recalled that Senegal was the first State to ratify the Rome Statute and, on this occasion, reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to the principles and values upheld by the International Criminal Court.”

Image credit: Ministère de la Justice Sénégal

“Le Sénégal réaffirme soutient les principes du Statut de Rome

Le Sénégal réaffirme son attachement à la Cour pénale internationale (CPI). C’est le message por

10/09/2026

“Senegal Reaffirms Its Support for the Principles of the Rome Statute

Senegal has reaffirmed its commitment to the International Criminal Court (ICC). This was the message conveyed by the Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Mr Moussa Sarr, during a meeting with a delegation from the Coalition for the ICC, comprising civil society representatives from Chad, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo and Morocco.

The delegation welcomed the Minister’s availability before expressing its concerns regarding the pressure being exerted against the ICC and some of its members. It called on Senegal to play a leading role in advocating for States to remain within the Rome Statute system, with a view to preventing impunity.

Referring to the trial of Hissène Habré, the civil society representatives also stressed that the issue of reparations for victims remains a concern, despite the judgment handed down in Senegal. They commended the resilience of the Senegalese judges involved, as well as Senegal’s support for international justice.

In response, the Minister reaffirmed Senegal’s official support for the Senegalese judges serving at the ICC, as well as the country’s commitment to the principles and values underpinning the Court’s establishment. He recalled, in particular, that during his recent visit to Senegal, he had received the Court’s Deputy Prosecutor, Senegalese national Mame Mandiaye Niang, following the Deputy Prosecutor’s meeting with the Prime Minister.

Finally, referring to the forthcoming Assembly of States Parties in The Hague, the Minister indicated that, subject to his schedule, he may participate in the session. He recalled that Senegal was the first State to ratify the Rome Statute and, on this occasion, reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to the principles and values upheld by the International Criminal Court.”

10/07/2026

🔴 𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗: 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗜𝗖𝗖 𝗝𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘀: 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲
 
ICC judges oversee proceedings, ensure fair trials and authorise victims’ participation, issue decisions in accordance with the rules and practices of the Court, including arrest warrants, among others. The quality, independence, and diversity of the Court’s bench directly shape the ICC’s credibility, jurisprudential development, and operational performance. This means that who becomes an ICC judge matters.
 
From 30 November to 7 December 2026, States Parties will elect six judges to serve nine-year terms on the Court. The Coalition for the ICC invited candidates to the position of judges at the ICC to complete a questionnaire on their background, relevant qualifications and experience.
 
The responses received by the Coalition’s Election team are now publicly available.
 
We asked candidates about how they understand the responsibilities of judicial office and some of the key challenges they could encounter as judges of the ICC, including:
🔵 How judges can ensure that proceedings and trials remain accessible and meaningful for affected communities.
🔵 What the Rome Statute fundamental requirements of High Moral Character, Independence and Impartiality mean in practice. 
🔵 We asked candidates about their experience responding to misconduct allegations, supporting diversity, equity and inclusion, addressing institutional power imbalances, and improving workplace culture and staff wellbeing.
🔵 We asked candidates about developments and remaining challenges relating to sexual and gender-based crimes, crimes against children, and intersectional approaches to investigations and adjudication.
 
At a time when the Court is operating in an environment of threats against its independence, it is key for highly qualified and independent judges to be elected through fair, transparent and merit-based processes. 
 
📖 Read the candidates’ responses to the Coalition’s 2026 questionnaire via the link in bio.

10/01/2026

The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of International Criminal Court - ICC has decided that the Assembly's 25th session (ASP25), originally scheduled to take place at United Nations Headquarters in New York, will be relocated to The Hague from 30 November to 7 December 2026.

The decision follows months of advocacy by civil society organisations, raising serious concerns about limitations on participation arising from holding the session in New York, including the visa restrictions for those targeted by unlawful US sanctions, restrictions based on country of origin and the broader chilling effect recent attacks against the Court has created.

The Coalition welcomes the Bureau’s recognition of these significant barriers and its decision to ensure that ASP25 can take place in circumstances that enable broader, safer and more meaningful participation by all stakeholders.

The decision to relocate the entire session comes amid continuing pressure by the United States administration on the ICC and those engaging with it. On 13 July 2026, the US State Department announced a new campaign openly aimed at challenging the Court’s activities, outlining measures including diplomatic and financial pressure, additional sanctions, visa measures and efforts directed at eroding States Parties’ support for the Court.

Against this backdrop, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗦𝗣𝟮𝟱 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁.

📌 Read our full statement: https://coalitionfortheicc.org/news/coalition-icc-welcomes-decision-relocate-asp25-hague

09/28/2026

Reliable sources indicate that the United States (US) plans to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an institution in the coming weeks. This follows a series of designations against ICC officials and a staff member, Palestinian NGOs, and also the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory. 𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬, 𝐜𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬, 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐚𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤.

The Trump administration has threatened the Court itself with institutional sanctions if it does not accede to US demands. States parties have been instructed: stop the investigation against US and Israeli nationals and amend the Rome Statute to ensure that nationals of non-states parties cannot be prosecuted by the Court.

This represents a further attack on the Courtʼs impartiality and independence. As Andreas Schueller, Co-director of the International Crimes and Accountability program of the ECCHR - European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) urges: “States should resist strongly and not give in to these US demands and requests. There should be no compromise on the jurisdiction of the Court.ˮ

While the impact of the current sanctions already goes beyond the Afghanistan and Palestine situations, such escalation would further extend the consequences of sanctions to all situations and cases before the Court and ultimately, all victims.

📌 To learn more, read the Coalition for the International Criminal Court report:https://coalitionfortheicc.org/sites/default/files/cicc_documents/Criminalising%20Accountability%20-%202026_0.pdf

09/18/2026

08/26/2026

❗ Más de 130 organizaciones de 56 países, entre ellas FIBGAR, como miembro de la Coalición por la Corte Penal Internacional (CCPI), hemos firmado una declaración conjunta para defender la Corte Penal Internacional y el sistema del Estatuto de Roma.

En los últimos meses, Malí, Burkina Faso, Níger, Venezuela y Chad han notificado su retirada del Estatuto de Roma, mientras se intensifican los ataques y la presión contra la independencia de la CPI.

⚖️ La justicia internacional no puede retroceder. Las víctimas y supervivientes merecen verdad, justicia, rendición de cuentas y reparaciones.

📢 Pedimos a los Estados una respuesta urgente y coordinada para defender la CPI y evitar que la impunidad vuelva a ganar terreno.