By: Fatou Krubally
The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has strongly condemned the US government for imposing what it described as “unjustified sanctions” on four judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling the move a direct attack on justice and accountability.
In a statement issued, EFSCRJ denounced the sanctions, saying they represent a “blatant obstruction of justice” and risk emboldening human rights violators worldwide. “We consider the action to be a direct and blatant obstruction of justice intended to perpetuate human rights violations and encourage impunity,” the group stated.
The US government under President Donald Trump imposed the sanctions on the ICC judges, citing alleged bias and overreach by the court. However, EFSCRJ contends that the move undermines global efforts to combat atrocities and hold perpetrators accountable. “The US has an obligation by its own laws as well as by international law which it has ratified to ensure justice and accountability prevail wherever human rights violations occur,” the statement said.
EFSCRJ also reminded Washington of its role as host to the United Nations headquarters, noting that the US played a leading role in the establishment of the UN. “Washington has a non-negotiable duty to support all UN agencies, objectives and missions geared towards global peace, justice and accountability,” the organization declared. “Failing to do so is a gross dereliction of duty, and a betrayal of the ideals that underpin the foundations of America and its history.”
The rights group called on President Trump to immediately lift the sanctions and to fully cooperate with the ICC to enable it to continue its work “undeterred and unfettered.” EFSCRJ also expressed full solidarity with the targeted judges and the ICC as an institution.
