Venezuela withdraws from the International Criminal Court, citing bias against the Global South

Jul 24, 2026

Venezuela has formally notified the UN of its irrevocable decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, citing geographical bias against the Global South. The move, ordered by interim President Delcy Rodriguez following the US-led ouster of Nicolas Maduro in January 2026, aligns Caracas with Washington's campaign to disable the tribunal. The withdrawal comes amid a multi-year ICC probe into Venezuelan officials and follows devastating June earthquakes that killed 5,500 people and delayed elections.

Venezuela ICC withdrawal

▪Venezuela's National Assembly voted in December 2025 to repeal the law ratifying the Rome Statute, paving the way for the country's withdrawal.
▪Under Article 127 of the Rome Statute, Venezuela's formal withdrawal from the International Criminal Court will take one year to become legally effective.
▪Venezuela formally notified United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on July 24, 2026, of its irrevocable decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court.

ICC geographical bias allegations

▪Venezuela Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia accused the international justice system of being instrumentalized to deepen inequalities and disregard national sovereignty.
▪Venezuela Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia alleged the International Criminal Court exhibits a geographical bias by disproportionately focusing on African and Latin American nations.

U.S. support for ICC dismantlement

▪United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged a whole-of-government response to systematically disable the International Criminal Court.
▪The United States State Department welcomed Venezuela's decision to withdraw, calling it a partnership in American-led efforts to dismantle the International Criminal Court.

ICC Venezuela investigation

▪The International Criminal Court has been investigating alleged crimes against humanity committed during Venezuelan government crackdowns on protesters since 2014.
▪The International Criminal Court closed its office in Caracas in January 2025, citing a lack of cooperation from the Venezuelan government.

Rodriguez interim leadership

▪United States President Donald Trump praised interim President Delcy Rodriguez's leadership and stated on July 24, 2026, that Venezuela is not yet ready for elections.
▪Interim President Delcy Rodriguez assumed power in Venezuela after United States forces seized and removed former President Nicolas Maduro in January 2026.

Caracas earthquake aftermath

▪A devastating double earthquake struck near Caracas on June 24, 2026, killing at least 5,500 people and injuring more than 16,700.
▪The World Bank estimated the total damage from the June 24, 2026, Venezuelan earthquakes at 19.6 billion dollars.