Under Fire: ICC Annual Meeting Confronts Sanctions and Internal Crisis Amid New Arrests

The International Criminal Court faces mounting pressure as its annual meeting opens this week. Delegates from 125 member states have gathered in The Hague to confront unprecedented challenges. The meeting occurs against a backdrop of external sanctions and internal turmoil.Court President Judge Tomoko Akane set a defiant tone in her opening address Monday. She stated the institution never accepts pressure. However, the court operates without a chief prosecutor and with key staff under U.S. sanction.

ICC Assembly Confronts Dual Crises of Funding and Credibility

The ICC’s oversight body, the Assembly of States Parties, is holding its 24th annual session. It runs through Saturday in a Dutch conference center. Delegates must approve a 195 million euro budget for next year.According to The Associated Press, the mood at the meeting is grim. U.S. sanctions have directly impacted nine ICC staff members. This includes six judges and the court’s chief prosecutor.The sanctions were imposed by the Trump administration. They relate to ICC investigations involving U.S. and Israeli officials. These penalties have complicated the court’s work across multiple investigations.Human rights groups report the sanctions have affected the meeting itself. Some U.S.-based organizations pulled out of events. Others kept American staff away from meetings with sanctioned officials.

Leadership Vacuum and Member Defections Threaten Future

A major issue looms over the assembly but is not on the official agenda. Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has temporarily stepped down. He faces an external U.N. probe into allegations of sexual misconduct.The investigation report has been delayed for a year. Diplomatic sources say it will be finalized by year’s end. A judicial panel will then review it and make recommendations.Support among member states is also eroding. Four nations have announced intentions to withdraw from the court recently. Hungary, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have all signaled their exit.The court relies entirely on member state cooperation. It has no police force to arrest suspects itself. This makes each defection a significant blow to its operational capability.

Donald Trump’s push to rally his allies comes ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.(REUTERS)

Despite these profound challenges, the International Criminal Court continues its core judicial work. Recent arrests show that cooperation, though strained, persists. The annual meeting’s outcome will be crucial for the court’s stability and its ability to deliver justice in an increasingly polarized world.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the ICC Assembly of States Parties meeting?

It is the annual gathering of the 125 member countries that oversee the International Criminal Court. They debate the budget and key institutional matters. This year’s meeting is happening now in The Hague.

How have U.S. sanctions affected the ICC?

Sanctions target nine staff members, including the chief prosecutor. They have complicated investigations and forced some groups to alter participation in meetings. The court says it refuses to yield to this pressure.

Why is the ICC’s chief prosecutor absent?

Karim Khan stepped aside pending an external U.N. investigation. The probe concerns allegations of sexual misconduct. A final report is expected by the end of this year.

Which countries are leaving the ICC?

Hungary, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced plans to withdraw. Hungary’s move followed an ICC arrest warrant for Israel’s prime minister. The African nations cited other geopolitical reasons.

Has the ICC made any recent arrests?

Yes. Germany recently transferred a Libyan prison commander accused of war crimes. Earlier this year, former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was also sent to The Hague to face charges.