The decision of the European Parliament to honour the International Criminal Court with the 2026 Sakharov Prize is to be applauded. At this critical juncture, when international justice faces extraordinary pressures, this recognition sends an unequivocal message, that the rule of law must prevail over political expediency, and the independence of the Court must be resolutely defended. Above all, it is a statement of solidarity with victims of the gravest crimes, whose right to justice cannot be made hostage to political considerations. The Court exists for them. This is a moment not merely to affirm our belief in justice, but to stand up for it, defend the institutions that make it possible, and ensure that no pressure, however powerful, is allowed to extinguish the hope of justice for victims. Now, the European Parliament and Commission should enact effective sanctions blocking legislation to protect the Court which will soon house the prize just awarded.