DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2026
★ SPECIAL PRINT EDITION ★
SECTION: WORLD
Trump Sanctions ICC, Nobel Peace Laureate Pillay Calls US Move 'Unacceptable'

Trump Sanctions ICC, Nobel Peace Laureate Pillay Calls US Move 'Unacceptable'

Oct 10, 2026 - 21:43
Nobel peace laureate says US sanctions on ICC 'unacceptable'
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Key Highlights

  • US sanctions ICC, Nobel Peace laureate Pillay calls move 'unacceptable'.
  • UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemns US decision as 'serious blow' to international justice.
  • Nobel Peace Prize winner Pillay receives prize in Oslo, Trump criticises Norway over award.

Navi Pillay, the winner of this year's Nobel Peace Prize, has expressed her strong opposition to US sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling them "unacceptable" and "unheard of". The South African former ICC judge was awarded the prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law.

This has paved the way for a more comprehensive global legal order, according to the Nobel committee.

US President Donald Trump has expressed his dissatisfaction with the pick. And hours later the US unveiled sweeping sanctions in a significant escalation of its attempt to undermine the ICC.

The ICC has condemned the measures as an assault on the rule of law and the foundations of the international legal order.

Read More: South Korea Recalls Envoy to Ukraine Over North Korean POW Row

The US has already imposed sanctions on 17 ICC judges and authorities. However, this latest move targets the court itself as an institution, aiming to inhibit its ability to operate financially. The US has provided a six-month grace period before some of these sanctions kick in.

This allows member states to continue paying for its operations. A move intended to facilitate negotiations with the US to address its concerns.

Exterior view of the International Criminal Court
Exterior view of the International Criminal Court
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has described the US decision as a "serious blow" to the collective pursuit of international criminal justice, with the ICC playing a vital role. Several countries, including the UK, Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and the Netherlands, have expressed regret and strong disagreement with the sanctions.

Pillay, 85, has a long history of promoting peace and international law, having served as UN rights chief and taking part in high-profile work on human rights violations in various countries, including Rwanda, Myanmar, and Gaza. Her appointment as the country's fifth Peace Prize winner has been met with criticism from Trump, who has called the announcement "disgraceful" and "embarrassing", and has long indicated he believes he should have been awarded the prize.

Trump's criticism of Pillay's win has been met with widespread condemnation. With many seeing it as an attempt to undermine the integrity of the Nobel Peace Prize. Pillay's response to the sanctions has been one of strong opposition, with her joking that if the US were to "clap a little bit more", she might consider sharing the prize with Trump.

US President Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Syracuse, New York.
US President Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Syracuse. New York.
Trump's long-standing interest in the Nobel Peace Prize has been a subject of controversy, with many questioning his eligibility for the award.

Also Read: Trump Seeks Presidential Retreat at Florida Golf Club

The international community has widely condemned the US decision, with many countries expressing their regret and strong disagreement with the sanctions.

The future of the ICC and its relationship with the US remains uncertain.

However, the future of the ICC's financial sustainability remains uncertain, and it is unclear how the US sanctions will impact the court's ability to operate effectively.

The international community will be watching closely as the situation around the ICC and the US sanctions continues to unfold. The ICC has a vital role to play in promoting international justice and accountability. And it is essential that the international community works together to support the court's efforts.

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I write about the forces shaping business and the global economy, from startup growth and changing markets to international trade and policy. My work focuses on breaking down complex developments into clear, practical insights and understanding what they could mean for businesses, investors, and the wider economy.

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