French insurer AXA has ended its contract with the International Criminal Court as expanding United States sanctions create growing complications for companies providing services to the Hague-based tribunal.
The ICC confirmed that its agreement with AXA ended on October 1, 2026. The Court has transitioned to another health insurance provider, which it has not publicly identified.
The Financial Times reported that AXA cited risks associated with the extraterritorial application of U.S. sanctions as a reason for ending the relationship. The ICC and AXA had explored possible arrangements to address sanctions-related risks before mutually agreeing to terminate the contract.
The development comes as Washington expands sanctions against ICC personnel. In August, the United States imposed sanctions on ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane and Senior Trial Lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, adding them to other Court officials previously targeted by U.S. measures.
The ICC said on August 19 that nine of its 18 judges, both deputy prosecutors, its former prosecutor and one staff member were under U.S. sanctions. The Court condemned the measures and said it would continue carrying out its mandate.
The ICC has also taken steps to protect its operations against possible sanctions-related disruption. Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan said in September that the Court had established alternatives involving health insurance and banking and taken other measures intended to reduce its exposure to potential disruptions.
AXA’s departure does not leave ICC personnel without health insurance. The Court said another provider has taken over coverage, although it has not disclosed the company’s identity.
The termination also does not by itself represent a reduction in the ICC’s budget. AXA provided insurance services to the Court, while the ICC is principally financed through assessed contributions from its States Parties.
The development comes as the ICC moves toward the trial of former Philippine President Rody Duterte. In April, judges confirmed three counts of crimes against humanity against Duterte and committed him to trial, while the Appeals Chamber upheld the Court’s jurisdiction over his case. His trial is scheduled to open on November 30, 2026. Duterte has not been convicted, and the charges against him remain to be proven at trial.
