UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Reports 'Unprecedented Attacks' on ICC

Statement by the UN High Commissioner in The Hague

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated on Tuesday that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is facing 'cruel and unprecedented attacks' aimed at 'isolating and paralyzing' the court. According to Anadolu Agency reports. The speech took place in The Hague at an event dedicated to intergenerational justice.

Forms of pressure on the court

According to Türk, some countries are imposing sanctions against the court, initiating criminal proceedings against its staff, and spreading disinformation about its work. He also criticized certain States Parties to the Rome Statute for failing to fulfill their obligations to execute arrest warrants and for not cooperating with the court in specific cases. The High Commissioner characterized these measures as attempts to undermine the impartiality, independence, and integrity of the court and warned that they are part of a broader global resistance to human rights.

Call to protect international justice

'Attacks against the ICC are attacks on justice and the rule of law. A world without justice is a world of violence and chaos,' Anadolu quoted Türk as saying. He emphasized that 'there cannot be one standard for our allies and another for our enemies' and called for the consistent application of international law. Türk urged those with influence to protect the court, warning that weakening international justice institutions would leave future generations with fewer guarantees against abuse of power. 'We must stand firmly in defense of human rights and justice,' he concluded.