Two US-based human rights organizations have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), arguing that the measures have hindered their advocacy and legal work related to the war in Gaza.
The case, filed in Manhattan, claims the sanctions violate constitutional rights by limiting Americans' ability to engage in human rights activities.
The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Manhattan by Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN) and the Taxpayer Alliance Against Genocide.
The organizations are seeking to overturn restrictions they say have disrupted their ability to work with ICC-related organizations and individuals targeted under US sanctions. The legal action names senior Trump administration officials as defendants.
Lawsuit claims sanctions have chilling effect
According to the complaint, the sanctions have created a "chilling effect" on human rights advocacy by exposing organizations to potential penalties for certain forms of communication, collaboration, or support involving sanctioned individuals or groups.
DAWN said the restrictions have forced it to suspend several legal and advocacy efforts. These include preparing submissions for the ICC, sharing evidence and legal analysis with affected organizations, and working alongside certain international human rights figures.
The lawsuit argues that the sanctions extend beyond foreign policy measures and interfere with constitutional protections by restricting Americans' ability to participate in advocacy and human rights work.
Trump administration defends measures
The Trump administration has defended the sanctions, saying they were imposed in response to what it described as the ICC's "illegitimate" actions against the United States and its ally, Israel.
US officials have also indicated that additional measures, including further sanctions, visa restrictions, and travel bans targeting ICC personnel, could be introduced as part of Washington's broader campaign against the court.
ICC investigations into Gaza war
The legal dispute follows the ICC's investigations into alleged war crimes during the Gaza conflict, which began after Hamas launched its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
In 2024, ICC judges issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes linked to the conflict. Israel rejected the warrants.
Neither the United States nor Israel is a member of the International Criminal Court, and both countries do not recognize the tribunal's jurisdiction.
Sanctions expanded after ICC warrants
Following the ICC's decisions, Washington imposed sanctions on ICC officials, judges, staff members, and other individuals associated with the court's work.
The measures have also affected some Palestinian human rights organizations and United Nations officials involved in documenting and reporting on the situation in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The two US organizations argue that these restrictions have significantly limited their ability to communicate, collaborate, and pursue legal advocacy on behalf of victims of the conflict.
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