A top human rights lawyer has warned that Donald Trump could face an arrest warrant after he imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). Baroness Kennedy of the Shaws, a leading human rights expert, explained that Article 70 of the Rome Statute, which governs the ICC, prohibits anyone from obstructing justice. She told the UK House of Lords that this law ensures ICC officials can perform their duties without interference, and violating it could lead to arrest warrants.
Her comments followed an executive order signed by Trump, which he claimed was a response to what he called “illegitimate and baseless actions” against the US and its ally, Israel. Baroness Kennedy stressed the importance of the ICC in pursuing justice for victims of serious crimes, including atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7. She also mentioned ongoing investigations into potential war crimes in Gaza.
She questioned whether the UK government recognized that Trump’s order undermines the ICC’s work and asked if the government would warn the US administration about the legal risks Trump faces, including the possibility of an arrest warrant. The ICC has already issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif.
Baroness Kennedy, who previously served on an ICC panel reviewing evidence for arrest warrants, emphasized the court’s role in holding individuals accountable for serious crimes. Other UK lawmakers, like Lord Alton of Liverpool, urged the government to strongly oppose any threats or sanctions against ICC officials.
In response, UK Foreign Office minister Lord Collins reiterated the government’s support for the ICC’s independence and expressed concern that US sanctions could hinder the court’s work. He noted that while the UK is a member of the ICC, the US is not, and the two countries have differing views on the court. However, the UK opposes sanctioning ICC officials and remains focused on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring aid reaches those in need, and securing the release of hostages.
Lord Thomas of Gresford, a former judge, added that Trump’s plan to forcibly relocate Gaza’s population could constitute a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute. He also pointed out that UK law would require the Attorney General to enforce any ICC arrest warrant for Trump, which could restrict his ability to visit the UK.
The UK government has made it clear that Palestinians must be allowed to return to their homes and rebuild Gaza, and it opposes any efforts to displace them against their will.
