The International Law and Human Rights Program prepares this update on International Justice for informational purposes only. Any opinions expressed in articles contained in this update are not necessarily endorsed by PGA or any individual/s associated with PGA; nor does PGA or any individual/s associated with PGA vouch for the accuracy of the contents of these articles.
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Germany, Ireland, Naoero, Netherlands, United States, ICC
On 22 September 2026, at the UN General Assembly, the President of the United States called on ICC States Parties to withdraw from the Court. On the same day, the President of Naoero announced that Naoero would officially withdraw from the Rome Statute. Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and the European Union reaffirmed their support for the ICC. On 30 September 2026, the Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties expressed concern regarding Naoero’s withdrawal and urged Naoero to remain a State Party.
On 21 September 2026, reports indicated that the US administration was preparing sanctions against the ICC as an institution, which could prohibit most US transactions with the Court and disrupt its finances and operations. On 22 September 2026, 38 civil society organizations submitted an amicus curiae brief in support of a US lawsuit challenging the legality of the existing ICC-related sanctions. On 28 September 2026, the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties decided to relocate its twenty-fifth session from New York to The Hague due to concerns arising from United States sanctions and visa restrictions.
On 16 September 2026, the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran reported reasonable grounds to believe the United States had committed war crimes when it carried out airstrikes in Iran, resulting in the deaths of at least 178 civilians.
On 18 September 2026, the UN Human Rights Office reported 1,004 documented cases of conflict-related sexual violence against civilians and prisoners of war between 24 February 2022 and the end of July 2026, 89 percent of which were carried out by Russian authorities and 11 percent by Ukrainian authorities.
On 17 September 2026, Labor and Coalition senators voted against referring the Red Lines Package Omnibus Bill 2026 [No. 2] to a Senate inquiry, thereby preventing committee scrutiny. The bill aimed to strengthen oversight and prohibit defense exports, technology or services in cases where there is a risk that Australia might become involved in genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity. ActionAid Australia condemned the decision, stating that domestic laws should align with Australia's international legal commitments.
On 16 September 2026, the former President of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi, and his co-defendants Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi were found guilty of war crimes. Hashim Thaçi was convicted of murder, torture and illegal detention, and sentenced to 25 years of imprisonment.
On 16 September 2026, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person before the International Criminal Court for the first time during a status hearing regarding his fitness to stand trial for alleged crimes against humanity. The defense argued that Rodrigo Duterte’s deteriorating health rendered him unfit for trial. The trial is scheduled for 30 November 2026.
On 23 September 2026, the International Criminal Court found Mahamat Said Abdel Kani guilty beyond reasonable doubt of four crimes against humanity: imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty, torture, persecution, and other inhumane acts. Sentencing and reparations proceedings will follow.
On 7 September 2026, Germany challenged the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in hearings on Nicaragua’s case, which alleges that German arms exports to Israel facilitated genocide in Gaza. The ICJ will continue to review the merits of Nicaragua’s claims.
On 3 September 2026, current and former presidents of the ICC Assembly of States Parties condemned diplomatic efforts to isolate the Court, warning that such actions undermine confidence in the international legal order. They urged States Parties to provide political, legal, and practical support. On 6 September 2026, ICC President Tomoko Akane said she would continue her work despite US sanctions and reaffirmed her commitment to the Court’s mandate and accountability for international crimes.
On 3 September 2026, the Iranian Red Crescent asked the ICC to investigate a US missile attack on a wedding party in Iran that killed at least four people and wounded dozens, stating that the attack could constitute a war crime.
On 3 September 2026, the European Court of Human Rights removed 879 applications against Russia from its case list. Amnesty International stated that this decision denies victims access to truth, justice, and reparation, and called for its reversal.
On 1 September 2026, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that former President Duterte’s defense team requested the ICC Trial Chamber to order prosecutors to refile the charges against him. On 11 September 2026, the ICC Prosecutor opposed the defense request for stricter protocols on digital evidence, stating that the proposal is unnecessary and contrary to judicial efficiency.
On 12 September 2026, tens of thousands of people gathered in Pristina to call for the acquittal of former President Hashim Thaçi and three former Kosovo Liberation Army commanders ahead of the verdict on war crimes and crimes against humanity charges before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.
On 14 September 2026, ICC Trial Chamber VII scheduled the opening of the El Hishri trial for 4 May 2027, regarding alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed at Mitiga Prison in Libya.
