UN human rights chief Volker Turk. Photo courtesy of Anadolu.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk urged the United States to remove sanctions imposed on senior International Criminal Court officials as Washington continued its pressure campaign against the Hague-based tribunal.
Turk called the measures against ICC President Tomoko Akane and a member of the court’s prosecution team unacceptable and said they should be withdrawn.
He also appealed to governments to defend international institutions created to protect human rights and uphold the rule of law.
Turk said states should likewise shield court personnel who face punitive action because of their work.
The sanctions form part of a broader effort by the administration of US President Donald Trump to challenge the ICC and restrict officials connected to its cases.
Washington has argued that the court has overreached, particularly in matters involving the United States and its allies.
Tensions intensified after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Turk’s remarks added to growing criticism within the United Nations over the US measures, as the dispute over the court’s authority and its Gaza-related proceedings continued.