UN Rights Chief Condemns US Sanctions on Special Rapporteur
Speaking at a news conference in New York, Turk stressed that disagreements with an individual should not lead to punitive measures against them.
“You can agree or disagree with someone, but you should never ever sanction them,” said Turk.
He explained that Albanese and other special rapporteurs serve as independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, arguing that sanctions against them undermine their independent role.
Turk also questioned the legality of the US measures targeting Albanese and the International Criminal Court (ICC), stating that the restrictions “are not in line with international law from our perspective.”
He urged UN member states to work toward removing the sanctions and use their diplomatic influence to encourage their withdrawal.
“Our call to member states is always to ensure that such sanctions are not only lifted, but that they also use their influence that they get lifted,” he added.
Turk also announced plans to address the ICC Assembly of States Parties in The Hague next week, where he intends to highlight the court's role in protecting human rights and pursuing accountability.
“I will say what I have to say about the vital importance of the International Criminal Court for the human rights ecosystem, including for accountability purposes,” he said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against Albanese in July 2025. Washington cited her efforts to pursue the arrest of American and Israeli nationals, including her recommendation that the ICC arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip.
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