Venezuela announces definitive withdrawal from International Criminal Court

Venezuela has declared its "firm and irrevocable" decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), denouncing the Rome Statute. Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia stated that the ICC exhibits a "bias" by disproportionately focusing its efforts on African and Latin American nations. This perceived pattern, he argued, demonstrates an international justice system that is not equitable but rather instrumentalized to exacerbate inequalities and undermine the right to self-determination and sovereignty.

Plasencia communicated this decision, ordered by acting president Delcy Rodríguez, to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. He asserted that the ICC's "bias" is not a mere procedural coincidence but reflects an institution serving interests alien to justice and the people it purports to protect. Venezuela rejects this form of "lawfare," which it claims perpetuates persecution against the Venezuelan people and worsens existing inequalities.

The Venezuelan government reiterated its commitment to a justice system that is genuinely equitable and respects national sovereignty and self-determination. This move follows a unanimous decision by the Venezuelan parliament, controlled by the ruling party, to approve a law revoking the country's adherence to the Rome Statute. Parliament president Jorge Rodríguez had previously stated this was to "denounce to the world the futility and vassalage" of the ICC.

The ICC's decision to close its technical office in Caracas last December, citing a lack of "real progress" on complementarity, the principle requiring nations to investigate alleged crimes themselves before the ICC intervenes, preceded Venezuela's withdrawal announcement. Despite the closure, the ICC's prosecutor's office confirmed that its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela remains active, led by a team working from The Hague. The ICC initiated its investigation into Venezuela in 2018.