Coalition Challenges Legality of Sanctions
Amnesty International, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), and 36 other civil society organizations have jointly filed an amicus curiae brief in a United States federal court to challenge the legality of sanctions imposed by the Trump administration against the International Criminal Court (ICC). The submission supports a lawsuit filed by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR), Human Rights Watch, and the Open Society Institute. These plaintiffs argue that Executive Order 14203 exceeds legal authority and violates constitutional rights.
Impact on Victims and Justice Networks
The organizations assert that the campaign against the ICC extends far beyond the judges, prosecutors, and human rights groups directly sanctioned. They argue that the measures actively discourage civil society engagement with the Court and undermine victims’ access to justice. Alexis Deswaives, Secretary General of FIDH, stated that silencing these organizations isolates victims and survivors who rely on networks to present evidence and testimonies before the Court. He warned that the sanctions spread fear among a broader circle of actors and may deprive victims of their last remaining opportunities for accountability.
Legal Arguments Against Executive Order 14203
The amicus brief outlines two primary arguments regarding the harm caused by the executive order. First, it contends that the sanctions dismantle the essential civil society networks required for the ICC’s operations. These networks facilitate victim participation, document atrocities, provide legal expertise, and support local investigations, particularly in regions where the Court’s direct access is limited. Second, the brief argues that the financial and legal penalties imposed by Executive Order 14203 violate rights to freedom of expression and association. The order has already caused sanctioned entities to lose funding, staff, banking access, and partnerships, creating irreparable damage to the infrastructure of international justice.
Statement from Leadership
Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, emphasized the necessity of demonstrating to the US Federal Court how these sanctions damage the global civil society community, victims of international crimes, and the concept of international justice itself. She declared that the coalition would not stand by while the administration undermines the Rome Statute. The large number of participating organizations highlights the resilience and determination of civil society to oppose US sanctions and protect the ICC.
Background and Representation
The 38 signatory organizations include diverse entities such as the Arab Coalition for the International Criminal Court, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, and the World Organisation Against Torture. The submission was assisted by the Coalition for the ICC secretariat, which referenced its report “Criminalising Accountability: The US lawfare against the international justice system.” The civil society amici were represented by Mascarenhas Law PLLC.
This report was produced by the HuMedia newsroom.
