US-sanctioned ICC wins Sakharov Prize, EU’s top human rights award
The prize comes less than two weeks after US President Donald Trump announced sanctions against the court.
The European Union has awarded the International Criminal Court (ICC) its top human rights award, two weeks after US President Donald Trump vowed to dismantle the court through new sanctions.
Thursday’s Sakharov Prize is the second international recognition for the war crimes tribunal this month, with former ICC Judge Navi Pillay awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work to promote peace and international law.
“The European Union is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions, and this prize recognises the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice,” said European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in announcing the award.
The Trump administration has promised to dismantle the court “brick by brick”, recently announcing sanctions aimed at crippling its day-to-day operations. The ICC tries individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.