During Monday's visit, former ICC judge Pillay commended the dedication of the court's practitioners, saying their "compassion and courage continue to ensure that impunity will not be allowed to reign."

The Hague-based court faces challenges as the U.S. administration of President Donald Trump sees it as a threat to American sovereignty and has intensified its campaign to dismantle it. It announced sanctions against the entire ICC immediately after Pillay was awarded the peace prize Friday.

Akane, a Japanese national, has congratulated former judge Pillay on being awarded the prize, emphasizing that "this is an important recognition of the vital role that international justice plays as a cornerstone of lasting peace," according to the ICC, which investigates and tries individuals charged with war crimes among other international offenses.

Pillay served as an ICC judge from 2003 to 2008, as well as president and judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

The South African judge was awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to promote peace and international law.

The sanctions on the entire ICC bans U.S. entities from making transactions with it, although some companies will be permitted to continue doing so during a six-month grace period. The Trump administration has already slapped sanctions on Akane and some other members of the court as individuals, which included asset freezes and travel bans.