Venezuela Formally Withdraws from the International Criminal Court (ICC); What It Means

Key facts

• On July 24, 2026, the Government of Venezuela announced its decision to denounce the Rome Statute and initiate the formal process to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• The notification was sent to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, as per Article 127 of the Rome Statute.
• Acting President Delcy Rodríguez instructed the move, which the government described as a 'firm and irrevocable' measure.
• Venezuela cited a 'geographical bias' by the ICC, claiming the Court disproportionately targets countries in Africa and Latin America, and accused it of being used for political purposes (lawfare).
• Under Article 127, the withdrawal takes effect one year after notification, but the ICC retains jurisdiction over alleged crimes committed while Venezuela was a State Party and over ongoing investigations.
• The ICC has been conducting a formal investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela since 2021, focusing on events since April 2017.
• The withdrawal does not automatically close the ICC investigation; the Court can also regain jurisdiction via a UN Security Council referral under Chapter VII or if a future Venezuelan government accepts jurisdiction under Article 12.3.
• The decision aligns with the Trump administration's campaign against the ICC, including sanctions announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on July 13, 2026.
• On the same day, the Assembly of States Parties removed ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan following allegations of sexual misconduct, with 82 member states voting in favour.
• Venezuela's withdrawal marks a contrast with its broader foreign policy shift toward normalizing relations with the United States and the European Union, but shows a hardening stance on international criminal justice.