Overview

• The UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services has been selected to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct against International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan.
• The allegations, first reported in May, include claims that Khan groped a female aide, coerced her into a sexual relationship, and engaged in other inappropriate behavior over several months.
• Critics, including prominent human rights groups, have raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest due to Khan's wife's prior work with the UN agency in Kenya investigating sexual harassment.
• The ICC has faced internal criticism for its handling of harassment claims, with a 2024 report revealing that 30% of surveyed staff experienced discrimination, abuse, or harassment in the past year.
• The ICC continues to face external pressures, including cyberattacks and political opposition from nations like Israel, following its recent issuance of war crimes arrest warrants for high-profile figures such as Benjamin Netanyahu.