International Criminal Court Wins EU Human Rights Prize
Source reports published 22 Oct 2026, 8:04 pm – 23 Oct 2026, 4:55 am AEST
The International Criminal Court received the European Union’s top human rights prize, the Sakharov Prize, in a gesture of support following US sanctions. This award recognizes the court’s work in upholding international law and justice amidst ongoing challenges.
What happened
- The International Criminal Court (ICC) was awarded the European Union’s top human rights prize, the Sakharov Prize, by the European Parliament.
- European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the award, stating that the EU is "built on respect for multilateralism and international institutions" and that the prize recognizes the court’s work in upholding international law and justice.
- ICC President Tomoko Akane thanked the European Parliament for the award, noting that the court faces "unprecedented challenges" including sanctions from the US government.
- The award comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and the ICC, particularly concerning the ICC’s investigation into alleged war crimes in Gaza and the issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- The US government has stated its intention to "dismantle" the court.
Original reporting
- Deutsche Welle: Sakharov Prize won by the International Criminal Court (ICC)
2026-10-22T10:04:57.076000+00:00 - France 24 English: Targeted by Trump, International Criminal Court wins top EU rights prize
2026-10-22T18:55:57+00:00 - New York Times World: International Criminal Court Wins E.U.’s Top Human Rights Prize
2026-10-22T15:44:46+00:00 - South China Morning Post: EU gives top human rights award to ICC after Trump sanctions
2026-10-22T10:37:56+00:00