Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia announced that the country had formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court, on Friday. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez authorized the decision, which was characterized as definitive and irreversible. Venezuelan officials argued that the ICC has demonstrated disproportionate focus on nations in Africa and Latin America compared to developed countries.
The United States responded positively to the withdrawal, with the State Department describing the court as corrupt and ineffective. American officials noted that the ICC had conducted years of investigation into former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro without results and called on other member states to follow Venezuela’s example. The timing of Venezuela’s formal notification came shortly after the Trump administration launched a public campaign encouraging countries to withdraw from the ICC.
Under the Rome Statute, Venezuela’s withdrawal becomes effective one year after notification and does not halt ongoing investigations or proceedings already initiated. Legal experts noted that the ICC can continue its investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela despite the country’s departure. However, analysts suggested the withdrawal signals reduced cooperation with the court and represents a broader realignment of Venezuelan foreign policy toward Washington. Venezuela’s decision follows similar recent withdrawals by Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, with some governments citing concerns about the court’s effectiveness and regional focus.
The ICC has faced mounting institutional challenges, including the dismissal of its elected chief prosecutor on Friday over allegations of sexual assault, which he denies. Human rights advocates expressed concern that the Venezuelan withdrawal would dampen accountability efforts for thousands of victims who provided testimony to the court beginning in 2021. Analysts described the move as evidence of Venezuela operating increasingly under Washington’s diplomatic influence, while international law experts debated whether the ICC’s institutional survival depends more on sustained international opposition than on particular government campaigns.
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