Navi Pillay, the winner of this year's Nobel Peace Prize, has criticized US sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing them as "unheard of" and "unacceptable." Pillay, a former ICC judge from South Africa, received the award on Friday for her efforts to promote peace and international law, which the Nobel committee stated contributed to a "more comprehensive global legal order."
US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Pillay's selection, and shortly thereafter, the US announced extensive sanctions aimed at the ICC, which it labeled a "rogue" institution. The ICC responded by stating that the sanctions represent an assault on the rule of law and the foundations of international legal order.
During a video link event at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo on Saturday, Pillay remarked, "There is so much tension and anxiety over the continued existence of international courts, mainly the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Most importantly, sanctions have been announced by one country against the judges, just for the judicial orders they issue. This is unheard of, unacceptable."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the sanctions, which include prohibiting US entities from conducting transactions with the ICC, are intended to "defend US sovereignty" and accused the court of attempting to prosecute Americans.
The US has previously sanctioned 17 ICC judges and officials, but this latest move targets the court as an institution to hinder its financial operations. However, the US has allowed a six-month grace period before some sanctions take effect, permitting member states to continue funding the ICC during negotiations to address US concerns.
The Trump administration has criticized the ICC for its investigation into US military actions in Afghanistan, which has since been closed, and for issuing arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The new sanctions do not require the withdrawal of these warrants for the measures to be lifted.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described the US decision as "a serious blow to our collective pursuit of international criminal justice, of which the ICC is a key pillar." The UK, along with Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands, expressed regret and strong disagreement with the sanctions.
Pillay, 85, has a history of involvement in high-profile human rights work, including addressing allegations of violations in Rwanda, Myanmar, and Gaza. She is the fifth South African to win the Nobel Peace Prize, following Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. After receiving the prize, she humorously suggested that if the audience clapped more, she might share the award with Trump, referencing last year's winner, Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado, who gifted her prize to the US president. Trump labeled Pillay's selection as "disgraceful and embarrassing," calling it an "indelible stain on the country of Norway."