Rights Groups, Advocates and Atrocity Survivors Urge Opposition to ICC Sanctions Bill

On January 28, 2025, advocates from several countries with active cases before the International Criminal Court (ICC) came together to highlight the critical role the court plays in their countries’ futures. The event took place as the U.S. Senate considered a bill that would impose sanctions on the ICC, threatening the court’s ability to pursue accountability for the world’s most serious crimes.

Event Description

Panelists represented countries with direct U.S. interests, and in some cases, the United States played a role in initiating the cases before the court. Speakers shared firsthand accounts of why the ICC matters to victims of atrocities and human rights violations in Ukraine, Sudan, the Philippines, and Burma. The event was organized by Amnesty International USA, Citizens for Global Solutions, Human Rights First, Human Rights Watch, and StoptheDrugWar.org.

Speakers

• Oleksandra Matviichuk, Human Rights Lawyer and Head of the Center for Civil Liberties (Kyiv, Ukraine); Nobel Peace Prize Recipient (2022)
• Niemat Ahmadi, Survivor of the Darfur Genocide; Founder and President, Darfur Women Action Group
• Dino S. de Leon, Philippine Human Rights Lawyer; Spokesperson for Former Senator Leila de Lima; Director, Human Rights and People Empowerment Center
• Kyaw Win, Executive Director, Burma Human Rights Network
• Adam Keith, Director of Accountability, Human Rights First

The event was moderated by Rebecca A. Shoot, Executive Director of Citizens for Global Solutions.

Policy Focus

• Opposing the proposed U.S. bill to impose sanctions on the ICC
• Defending the court’s independence and mandate to end impunity for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity
• Highlighting the ICC’s role in advancing justice for victims in Ukraine, Sudan, the Philippines, and Burma