Venezuela has formally notified the United Nations of its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), condemning the institution for alleged bias against countries in the Global South.
Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia stated that the move was directed by interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who has recently steered the government toward closer ties with the United States. Plasencia criticized the ICC for disproportionately focusing on African and Latin American nations, undermining principles of equitable justice and national sovereignty.
The ICC had opened investigations in 2021 into possible crimes against humanity by Venezuelan authorities during the 2017 crackdown on anti-government protests. In December 2025, Venezuela's National Assembly voted to revoke its obligations under the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.
Geopolitical Context and US Influence
Observers note that Venezuela’s withdrawal coincides with its increasing alignment with US foreign policy. This shift follows the controversial military removal of former President Nicolas Maduro in January and ongoing threats of further US military interventions.
The United States has itself been a vocal critic of the ICC, with previous administrations imposing sanctions on ICC officials investigating US and allied forces. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently pledged efforts to "systematically disable" the court’s operations, accusing it of waging a legal campaign against the US.
Additionally, Venezuela’s rapprochement with the US occurs amid speculation about reestablishing diplomatic relations with Israel, whose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces ICC war crime charges related to Gaza.
