ICC’s Annual Meeting In The Hague Tests Its Future Amid Sanctions, Misconduct Probe And Member Withdrawals

What to Know: International Criminal Court Faces Unprecedented Strains

The Hague is hosting a tense gathering as hundreds of diplomats, lawyers and activists convene for the International Criminal Court’s 24th annual meeting of the Assembly of States Parties. Delegates from 125 member states are debating the court’s budget, operations and long-term resilience as the institution confronts U.S. sanctions, an internal misconduct inquiry and several high-profile member withdrawals.

Leadership, Pressure And A Defiant Tone

In her opening remarks, ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane told delegates the court would not bow to external pressure.

“We never accept any kind of pressure,” Akane said.

Nevertheless, the court is operating amid significant strains: the chief prosecutor has temporarily stepped aside while under investigation, several staff members are subject to sanctions, and a small but growing number of states have announced they intend to withdraw from the court.

U.S. Sanctions And Their Impact

Sanctions imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump target nine ICC staff members — including six judges and the prosecutor — in response to investigations that touched on alleged crimes involving U.S. and Israeli nationals. The United States, along with Israel, Russia and China, remains a nonmember of the court.

The measures have complicated the ICC’s work and cast a shadow over the meeting: two U.S.-based human-rights groups withdrew from events over concerns about breaching sanctions, and the International Federation for Human Rights barred U.S. staff from sessions where sanctioned personnel were present.

Investigation Into The Prosecutor

An unexpected focal point in hallway conversations is the external inquiry into allegations of sexual misconduct involving Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan. Khan has temporarily stepped aside while a United Nations oversight body conducts the review. The complaint was filed about a year ago, and the report has experienced repeated delays. Senior diplomatic sources say the report is expected by year-end; a panel of judges appointed by the Assembly will then have at least 30 days to review and make recommendations.

Member Withdrawals And Cooperation Challenges

Support for the ICC appears to be eroding in some regions. Since last year’s meeting, Hungary announced its intention to withdraw after refusing to arrest an individual subject to an ICC warrant; Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger also signaled plans to leave but have not completed formal withdrawals. In a separate case, Italy returned a wanted Libyan figure to Libya rather than surrendering him to the ICC. The court has no police force and depends entirely on state cooperation to arrest suspects and transfer them to The Hague.

Budget, Caseload And New Transfers

Delegates are meeting in a theater and conference center that will soon host The Nutcracker. Court officials are seeking commitments totaling €195 million (about $227 million) to fund operations next year. At the same time, courtroom activity has increased.

Key recent developments include the near-conclusion of the trial of Central African Republic militia leader Mahamat Said Abdel Kani, who faces multiple counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes. This year the court also took custody of two additional suspects: former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, transferred in March on a warrant alleging crimes against humanity related to anti-drug operations, and Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, recently handed over by Germany on charges tied to abuses at a Tripoli prison.

Outlook

The Assembly will approve the court’s budget and consider proposals shaping its mandate and operations. Delegates and observers alike will be watching whether member states commit the necessary funds, whether the misconduct inquiry advances to a timely conclusion, and how the court will maintain its investigative and judicial work amid diplomatic and operational pressures.