Venezuela formally notified the United Nations of its irrevocable decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) on July 24-25, 2026, under orders from interim President Delcy Rodriguez [1, 2, 3]. The South American country accuses the ICC of a geographical and political bias that disproportionately targets African and Latin American nations, undermining the sovereignty of Global South countries. "Venezuela considers that the Court’s actions reflect a demonstrated geographical bias, which has disproportionately concentrated its work on African and Latin American countries, to the detriment of the Global South," said Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia [1].

The ICC launched an investigation in 2021 into alleged crimes against humanity committed by the Venezuelan government during crackdowns on protests between 2014 and 2017 [1, 2, 3]. In December 2025, Venezuela’s National Assembly voted to repeal the ratification of the Rome Statute, the ICC's founding treaty [1, 2, 3].

Delcy Rodriguez assumed interim leadership of Venezuela in January 2026 following a US military operation that removed former President Nicolas Maduro from power [1, 2, 3]. The US government welcomed Venezuela’s withdrawal from the ICC, calling the court politically biased and urging other countries to follow suit. The US State Department labeled the ICC’s actions as "blatant overreach, political bias and selective enforcement" [3].

The ICC has stated it has not yet formally received Venezuela’s notification of withdrawal and explained that the process takes one year from the date of notification to take effect. Until then, Venezuela remains bound by any obligations arising before the withdrawal [2].

Venezuela’s notification marks a significant step in its break with the ICC. The country’s government has maintained its stance against what it describes as politically motivated investigations and continues to reject the court’s jurisdiction.

The next key date is July 2027, when Venezuela’s withdrawal from the ICC will become effective if no further developments occur.