ICC in the news: prosecutions tug at geopolitics—Russia/Israel heat, Duterte cases, Ukraine/Sudan abuses spark sanctions, reparations, and probes. ICC bio: founded 2002, permanent war crimes court in The Hague.
The UN reports that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) carried out mass killings, sexual violence, abductions, and other war crimes during their offensive on El Fasher in October 2025. Over 6,000 people were killed in the first three days, with widespread violations against civilians based on ethnicity. The report calls for accountability.
Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court are pushing for Duterte to face trial on charges of crimes against humanity related to his drug crackdown from 2011 to 2019. Duterte denies the allegations, claiming his speeches urged lawful action and only violence in self-defense. The court is currently deliberating whether to proceed to a full trial.
Since April 2023, Sudan's war between the army and RSF has caused tens of thousands of deaths, displaced 11 million, and worsened a severe humanitarian crisis. Both sides reject ceasefires, with widespread violence, atrocities, and drone attacks intensifying. International efforts to broker peace have stalled.
The ICC prosecutor's office announced a credible case against Belarus for deporting political prisoners, some of whom were sent to Lithuania. Lithuania, a member of the ICC, brought the case. Belarus, not a member, faces potential international accountability amid ongoing repression of political opponents.
Fighting in South Sudan's Jonglei state has intensified, prompting a mass evacuation from Akobo as government forces prepare for an assault. Civilians, aid workers, and UN personnel are fleeing amid ongoing clashes and reports of troop movements, worsening the humanitarian crisis and threatening fragile peace efforts.
Since early March 2026, drone strikes in Sudan's civil war have killed over 200 civilians, including at least 28 in recent attacks on markets and schools near Chad's border and in White Nile state. The US designated the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group, citing its role in violence and Iranian support. The conflict has displaced millions and worsened humanitarian crises.
The UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine reports that Russian authorities have committed crimes against humanity, including the deportation and forcible transfer of thousands of Ukrainian children since 2022. Most children remain in Russia, with no effective system for their return, and the findings will be presented at the UN Human Rights Council today.
On March 21-22, 2026, US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding Iran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face destruction of its energy infrastructure, starting with the largest power plant. Iran responded by threatening retaliation against US-linked energy and desalination facilities. The conflict has escalated with missile strikes on Israel and Gulf states, disrupting global oil supplies and raising prices.
Hungary has announced it will halt its planned withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Prime Minister Magyar states that Hungary will remain a member and will detain Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu if he enters the country, due to an ICC arrest warrant over war crimes in Gaza. This decision follows Magyar's election victory and his invitation to Netanyahu for a national event.
The ICC has confirmed charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity related to his deadly "war on drugs". Judges have found substantial grounds to believe Duterte ordered murders and attempted murders during his terms as mayor and president. The trial will proceed despite his defense claiming mental unfitness. Meanwhile, El Salvador is conducting a mass trial of 486 alleged gang members accused of over 47,000 crimes under President Bukele's crackdown.
The Venice Biennale will refrain from awarding prizes to artists from countries whose leaders face ICC charges, impacting Russia and Israel. The decision aligns with the festival's commitment to human rights and the legacy of curator Koyo Kouoh, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The ICC has ordered reparations funds to be paid by the Trust Fund for Victims for Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz’s crimes, prioritizing socio-economic support, education, and psychological help for women and girls affected by Timbuktu’s 2012 rule of terror; the fund will implement plans by next January, with most victims eligible across Mali.
The Venice Biennale is reopening Russia’s pavilion for the first time since 2022 amid protests and a mass jury resignation over entries from states facing ICC charges. The international jury has resigned, and the festival is facing scrutiny from the EU and Italy as debates over artistic neutrality and politics intensify.
Protests have intensified at the Venice Biennale as Ukrainian, Palestinian, and Russian participants highlight political tensions surrounding national pavilions and the controversy over Russia’s return. The jury has quit, and organizers have shifted prize structure as previews continue ahead of the May 9 opening. The event features the main exhibition “In Minor Keys” and multiple national pavilions.
Spain has moved to shield international justice amid US sanctions on ICC officials, urging the EU to expand the Blocking Statute to defend the ICC and UN actions in Gaza. Prime minister Pedro Sánchez has also called for measures within the EU-Israel framework and signed a declaration on South Africa’s genocide case at the ICJ.
More than a dozen shots have been fired inside the Philippine Senate on Wed 13 May 2026 as law enforcement moved to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who has been sheltering in the chamber after an ICC arrest warrant was unsealed. Dela Rosa has been under Senate protective custody and has vowed to fight transfer to The Hague.