The European Union awarded the International Criminal Court (ICC) the Sakharov Prize for its human rights work, despite U.S. Sanctions against the court.
The European Parliament announced the award on December 12, 2020, recognizing the ICC’s efforts to hold individuals accountable for international crimes. The decision came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the ICC, citing its bias against Israel.
The Sakharov Prize, established in 1983, honors individuals or organizations that promote human rights and freedom of thought. The ICC, based in The Hague, has faced criticism from some governments, including the U.S. For its perceived political leanings. The EU’s decision highlights a growing divide between the U.S. And European nations on issues of international justice.
