EU Awards ICC Top Human Rights Prize

The European Union (EU) has awarded its top human rights prize to the International Criminal Court (ICC), recognising its work to uphold international law and justice following growing pressure from the United States.

The European Parliament announced on Thursday that the ICC and its officials had won the 2026 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The award comes days after the administration of US President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions on the court.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the decision recognised the court’s role in defending international law and justice.

“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,” Metsola said.

Established under the Rome Statute, the ICC investigates and tries individuals accused of serious international crimes. These include genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

However, the court has faced increasing pressure from the Trump administration. Washington has accused it of seeking to prosecute Americans and US allies without their consent.

Although the United States is not a party to the Rome Statute, the ICC can investigate alleged crimes committed in countries that have joined the treaty. In 2020, the court opened an investigation into alleged crimes involving US personnel in Afghanistan.

In 2024, the ICC also issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza. Israel has rejected the allegations. Since then, the Trump administration has imposed several rounds of sanctions on the court and some of its judges.

The latest measures, announced on October 9, targeted the ICC’s ability to operate. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions were intended to restrict the court’s activities.

“Our message is clear: The United States and its people are not subject to the jurisdiction of the ICC,” Rubio said.

“Either the ICC will end its threats or we will end the ICC,” he added.

The ICC has rejected the sanctions, describing them as “an attempt to obstruct the course of justice” and “an assault on the rule of law.”

Thursday’s award marks another international recognition of the court and its officials this month. On October 9, former ICC judge and human rights expert Navi Pillay was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The ICC welcomed the European Parliament’s decision, saying the recognition came at a time of “unprecedented challenges.”

“Against this backdrop, the Sakharov Prize carries particular significance, reaffirming the importance of independent judicial institutions and of those who work to uphold international law,” the court said.

The award, named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, is awarded annually to individuals and organisations that defend human rights and fundamental freedoms. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Strasbourg, France, in December.