The Trump administration is reportedly preparing sweeping sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), which could disrupt the tribunal’s finances and day-to-day operations, according to The Wall Street Journal and Reuters. The US sanctions would prohibit most transactions with the ICC after a grace period of six to seven months.

Targeting the ICC Institution

The move would mark a sharp escalation in Washington’s campaign against the Hague-based court by targeting the institution itself rather than individual judges and prosecutors. The Journal, citing anonymous officials, said a decision could be finalised during this week’s United Nations General Assembly gathering in New York or soon afterwards.

If imposed, the measures would generally bar US citizens and companies from providing the ICC with money, goods or services without a licence from the US Treasury. Banks and other companies often take an especially cautious approach to US sanctions because they rely on access to the American financial system.

Potential Impact on ICC Operations

The ICC president and registrar have previously warned that sanctions on the organisation as a whole could interfere with its ability to buy information technology and insurance services, hire investigators and make routine payments, including salaries for American employees. The ICC was created in 2002 to prosecute individuals accused of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity when national authorities are unable or unwilling to do so.

The Trump administration plans to announce the sanctions soon, according to the Reuters news agency, quoting two sources familiar with the matter.

Broader Context of US-Issues

The sanctions are part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration against the ICC, which has been critical of US actions in various conflicts. The move is expected to provoke international controversy, particularly among nations that support the ICC as a key institution for international justice.

While the full scope and timing of the sanctions remain unclear, the potential impact on the ICC could be significant, given the reliance of many international institutions on the American financial system.