Venezuela has formally notified the United Nations of its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing concerns over perceived geographical bias. The announcement was made on Friday by Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia, who stated that the move was directed by acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who assumed leadership following the ousting of former President Nicolas Maduro earlier this year.

Plasencia criticized the ICC for disproportionately focusing its investigations on African and Latin American countries, arguing that this pattern has undermined equitable international justice and infringed upon the sovereignty and self-determination of affected nations. He described Venezuela’s decision as “firm and irrevocable,” emphasizing a belief that the court’s actions have been skewed to deepen global inequalities, particularly harming countries in the Global South.

The Hague-based tribunal has not yet confirmed receipt of Venezuela’s formal notification. In response, the ICC expressed regret over any member state’s decision to leave, highlighting the collective effort to end impunity for serious international crimes. The court noted that withdrawals take effect one year after notification and that states remain bound by obligations related to investigations or proceedings initiated during their membership.

This development comes amid an ongoing ICC investigation into alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Venezuelan government, including crackdowns on protesters since 2014 under Maduro’s administration. In December 2025, Venezuela’s parliament began repealing the Rome Statute—the ICC’s founding treaty—following the court’s decision to close its office in Caracas after unsuccessful negotiations with Venezuelan authorities.

The ICC also dismissed complaints filed by Venezuela earlier this year, which alleged that U.S. sanctions on the country constituted crimes against humanity. The broader geopolitical context includes the United States’ imposition of sanctions against the ICC and its judges in 2025, a response to the court’s investigations and prosecutions, although neither the U.S. nor Israel is a party to the ICC.

Venezuela’s withdrawal marks a significant moment in its relationship with international judicial bodies, reflecting ongoing tensions regarding sovereignty, international law, and the accountability of political leaders amid complex domestic and international pressures.