ICC wins EU's 2026 Sakharov prize

Award comes amid US sanctions and growing pressure on tribunal over its investigations

BRUSSELS:

The International Criminal Court (ICC) and its officials won the European Union's 2026 Sakharov Prize for human rights on Thursday, as the tribunal faces mounting pressure, including US sanctions aimed at disrupting its work.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the award in Strasbourg, drawing a standing ovation from lawmakers. She said the prize recognised the court's role in upholding international law and justice. "The EU is built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions," Metsola said.

The recognition, marks another show of international support for the Hague-based tribunal this month, following the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to former ICC judge Navi Pillay less than two weeks ago. The US imposed sanctions on the court earlier this month, intensifying tensions over its investigations.

US President Donald Trump has long criticised the ICC, with his campaign against the tribunal escalating after it issued arrest warrants in 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister over alleged crimes in Gaza.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has threatened that Washington would continue working to dismantle the court "brick by brick" unless it addressed US concerns, particularly over the warrant for Netanyahu.

ICC President Tomoko Akane said the Sakharov Prize carried particular significance given the "unprecedented challenges" facing the court and its officials, including sanctions intended to interfere with its judicial mandate.

In a statement, Akane said the award reaffirmed the importance of independent judicial institutions and those working to uphold international law. She stressed that continued international cooperation and support were essential for the court to carry out its mandate independently and impartially and deliver justice for victims of the gravest crimes.

"In a world marked by rising conflicts, there is no peace without justice and no security without law," Akane said.