NEW YORK- Human Rights Watch has warned that US sanctions against the International Criminal Court could disrupt the tribunal’s access to banking, technology and travel services, putting its work and global justice at risk.
The rights organisation urged ICC member states to renew their support for the court and take steps to limit the impact of the measures.
It called on the European Union to activate its “blocking statute,” which is intended to shield European businesses from the effects of sanctions imposed by another country.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the sanctions on October 9.
He said Washington was acting to prevent the ICC from investigating and prosecuting US nationals.
The US government says Americans are not subject to the court’s jurisdiction and has threatened to expand its campaign if the ICC does not change course.
The ICC, based in The Hague, is a permanent court that prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.
It has opened investigations in 17 situations, including in Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and Afghanistan.
Banks and technology access at risk
Human Rights Watch said US sanctions can lead to frozen or closed bank accounts, rejected financial transactions, loss of access to digital services and travel restrictions for people targeted.
It warned that non-US banks and companies could also avoid dealing with the ICC if they fear losing access to the US financial system.
That could affect the court’s routine operations, including banking, information technology and travel, the organisation said.
The court and its member states have taken steps to protect the institution from potential effects, but HRW said further action was needed.
The sanctions follow earlier US measures against ICC prosecutors and judges, as well as Palestinian human rights organisations and a UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, according to HRW.
The organisation said it and three other human rights groups filed a lawsuit in a US federal court in August challenging the sanctions regime used against the court and its officials.
The ICC has rejected the sanctions and asked member states to help ensure it can continue operating.
HRW said the court’s work affects victims seeking justice in conflicts and crises around the world.
