Key facts
- The United States supports Venezuela's withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.
- The US State Department described the ICC as 'corrupt and worthless' and urged other member states to leave the Rome Statute.
- Venezuela's withdrawal notification was sent to the UN on July 24 and will become effective in one year.
- The ICC's ongoing investigation into alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela will not be halted by the withdrawal.
- Nicolas Maduro faces separate drug-trafficking charges in a New York federal court, with a trial scheduled for June 1, 2027.
The United States has publicly supported Venezuela's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), labeling the tribunal as "corrupt and worthless." The U.S. State Department welcomed the move by interim President Delcy Rodriguez and urged other member states to abandon the Rome Statute. Officials accused the ICC of selective enforcement, political bias, and inefficient use of resources, particularly criticizing the pace of its investigation into Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Venezuela formally notified the United Nations of its intent to withdraw on July 24. According to Article 127 of the Rome Statute, the withdrawal becomes effective one year after the UN secretary-general receives written notice. This provision means the departure will not halt the ICC's existing investigation into alleged crimes against humanity linked to unrest that began in April 2017. The ICC opened a preliminary examination in February 2018, leading to a full investigation in November 2021 after judges rejected Venezuela's request to defer the case to domestic authorities.
Separately, Nicolás Maduro faces federal cocaine-trafficking charges in New York, with a trial scheduled for June 1, 2027. This legal proceeding is distinct from the ICC's inquiry into alleged crimes within Venezuela.