A new joint statement from leading legal organisations around the world has raised serious concerns about the latest US sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), warning that interference with independent courts threatens access to justice and the rule of law.
The statement, published on 16 October 2026 and supported by the Law Society of Northern Ireland and the Bar of Northern Ireland, follows the introduction of further US sanctions against the ICC on 9 October. It calls for the sanctions to be withdrawn and for governments to protect the independence of the Court and those working within it.
The ICC was established to investigate and prosecute some of the most serious crimes under international law, including war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The joint statement warns that sanctions against the institution itself could affect investigations, trials, witness protection and the rights of victims seeking justice.
For MSM Law Director Eoghan McKenna, the statement reinforces concerns raised earlier this month when he attended the opening of the legal year at the Four Courts in Dublin.
At that event, Judge Tomoko Akane, President of the ICC, spoke about the pressures facing the Court and the importance of protecting judicial independence. Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell also highlighted the need for properly resourced justice systems and improved court security.
Eoghan McKenna commented: “When I attended the opening of the legal year in Dublin, Judge Akane spoke powerfully about the challenges facing the International Criminal Court. This latest statement shows why those concerns matter. Courts and legal professionals must be able to carry out their responsibilities independently and without intimidation. That principle applies just as much to our courts here in Belfast as it does to international justice.”
The joint statement has particular relevance to the Law Society’s ongoing work on solicitor safety, an issue Eoghan has helped bring before the Justice Committee. Protecting solicitors, court staff and other officers of the court is an important part of ensuring that people can obtain legal representation and that the justice system can operate fairly.
Eoghan added: “Access to justice depends on more than the law itself. It depends on independent courts, proper resources and the ability of legal professionals to represent their clients safely and without interference. Whether we’re talking about the International Criminal Court or a courtroom here in Belfast, those protections are fundamental to public confidence in justice.”
At MSM Law, we believe these principles matter to everyone who relies on the justice system. They protect the right to independent legal representation, ensure that courts can make decisions based on evidence and uphold the fairness on which public confidence depends.
The international legal community’s latest statement is an important reminder that the rule of law must be protected at every level, from international institutions to the courts serving our own communities.
No drama. Just clear legal advice.
Further reading
Joint Statement concerning US Sanctions Against the International Criminal Court, 16 October 2026
