US Sanctions Target UN Human Rights Lawyer and ICC Officials

• •Francesca Albanese and several ICC officials are sanctioned by the US for supporting the ICC.
• •The sanctions block entry to the US and freeze assets, crippling Albanese's professional life.
• •Courage International AISBL has launched a petition for the EU to activate the Blocking Statute against US sanctions.

Francesca Albanese, a UN special rapporteur, has been sanctioned by the US government under Executive Order 14203 for her support of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The sanctions also affect eight ICC judges, three court officials, and Palestinian human rights organizations. This action blocks Albanese from entering the US and freezes her assets, severely impacting her ability to function professionally. Courage International AISBL has launched a petition urging the European Union to activate the EU Blocking Statute to protect Albanese and others affected. The petition has garnered nearly 10,000 signatures. The US sanctions are viewed as an assault on international justice, obstructing the ICC's ability to prosecute war crimes. The EU has the authority to counteract these sanctions but has yet to take action. Albanese has lost academic affiliations and access to financial resources due to these sanctions.