Image source: Reuters, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia

Venezuela has formally notified the United Nations of its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), marking a dramatic escalation in its long-running dispute with the world's permanent war crimes tribunal. The move, described by the government as "irrevocable," comes as the ICC continues investigations into alleged crimes against humanity committed in the South American country.

Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia announced on July 24 that Venezuela had deposited its notice of withdrawal with the UN Secretary-General, the custodian of the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. According to Plasencia, the decision reflects the government's belief that the court has become politically biased and disproportionately targets countries in the Global South.

Government Alleges Political Bias

In a statement posted on social media, Plasencia accused the ICC of exhibiting a "geographical bias," arguing that it has focused excessively on African and Latin American states while failing to hold more powerful countries to the same standards.

The Venezuelan government has repeatedly maintained that the court has been used as an instrument of political pressure rather than an independent judicial institution. Officials have argued that the ICC has ignored improvements made to Venezuela's domestic justice system and has unfairly singled out the country for scrutiny.

The withdrawal follows legislation approved by Venezuela's National Assembly in December 2025 repealing the country's ratification of the Rome Statute, thereby paving the way for the formal notification to the United Nations.

ICC Investigation Will Continue

Although Venezuela has begun the withdrawal process, its departure from the ICC will not take immediate effect. Under Article 127 of the Rome Statute, withdrawal becomes effective one year after the notification is received by the UN Secretary-General.

Importantly, the move does not halt ongoing investigations or relieve Venezuela of obligations arising from proceedings that began while it was still a member state. This means the ICC's investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela can continue despite the country's decision to leave the court.

The ICC opened a formal investigation into Venezuela in 2021 after concluding there were reasonable grounds to believe crimes against humanity had been committed during the government's response to anti-government demonstrations and political unrest. The investigation has focused on allegations including arbitrary detention, torture, sexual violence and persecution of political opponents.

A Long-Running Dispute

Relations between Caracas and the ICC have steadily deteriorated over the past several years.

President Nicolás Maduro's government has consistently rejected the court's findings, insisting that Venezuelan institutions are fully capable of investigating and prosecuting any alleged abuses. Officials have repeatedly accused the ICC of interfering in the country's sovereignty and pursuing politically motivated cases.

The withdrawal also comes during a period of mounting pressure on the ICC itself. The court has faced criticism from several governments over its handling of politically sensitive investigations, while a number of countries have questioned its impartiality and effectiveness. Earlier this month, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger also formally initiated the process of leaving the court, citing concerns that it had become a politicised institution.

Implications for International Justice

Venezuela's decision represents another significant challenge for the ICC, which relies on the cooperation of member states to execute arrest warrants, gather evidence and prosecute international crimes.

Legal experts note that while withdrawal limits a state's future obligations under the Rome Statute, it does not erase accountability for alleged crimes committed during the period in which it remained a member. The ICC therefore retains jurisdiction over conduct that occurred before the withdrawal becomes effective.

The development also raises broader concerns about the future of international criminal justice. Critics warn that the departure of states under investigation risks weakening the authority of the ICC and could encourage other governments facing scrutiny to follow a similar path.

For Venezuela, however, the government maintains that the decision is a defence of national sovereignty rather than an attempt to evade justice.

As the one-year withdrawal period begins, the ICC's investigation into Venezuela is expected to continue, setting the stage for a prolonged legal and diplomatic confrontation between Caracas and the international court.

Source: Reuters