ICC regrets Chad and Venezuela withdrawals, warns of impact on justice

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has voiced "concern" over the recent withdrawals of Chad and Venezuela from the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the court. The ICC's Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties warned that such actions risk undermining the collective pursuit of justice and global efforts to combat impunity.

Chad announced its decision to withdraw from the ICC in late July, reportedly influenced by Washington and citing a perceived overemphasis on African nations. This move aligns with a broader trend, as other African nations like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have also announced their immediate withdrawal.

Venezuela, now reportedly closer to Washington, also declared its withdrawal from the international tribunal at the end of July. The United States, under the Trump administration, has been actively campaigning against the ICC, accusing it of threatening Americans and imposing sanctions. The US has urged its partners to leave the court.

The ICC's legislative body reminded member states that withdrawal from the Rome Statute does not absolve them of obligations incurred during their membership. The court opened an investigation in 2018 into alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela during the presidency of Nicolás Maduro, particularly following the crackdown on 2017 protests.

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The decisions of States Parties to withdraw from the Rome Statute risk compromising the collective pursuit of justice and weakening global efforts to end impunity.