UN Urges Venezuela to Rejoin ICC After Withdrawal Over Human Rights Concerns

The United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela has expressed deep concern over Venezuela's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), warning that the move could undermine accountability for alleged human rights violations and international crimes.

The Venezuelan government announced on Friday that it had made an "irrevocable" decision to leave the ICC, claiming the court has demonstrated a "geographical bias" in its investigations. The withdrawal has drawn criticism from international human rights observers, who argue it weakens global efforts to ensure justice for victims.

Established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2019, the fact-finding mission said Venezuela's exit from the ICC appears to be an attempt to avoid international legal mechanisms designed to hold perpetrators accountable. The mission also stated that Venezuelan authorities have failed to take meaningful steps to investigate serious human rights abuses and alleged international crimes committed over the past decade.

According to the UN mission, leaving the ICC only strengthens impunity for those responsible for human rights violations. It urged Venezuela to reverse its decision, rejoin the Rome Statute, and fully cooperate with international justice institutions.

The ICC previously concluded in 2020 that there were reasonable grounds to believe that Venezuelan civilian officials, members of the armed forces, and pro-government groups committed crimes against humanity beginning at least in 2017.

In January 2025, the ICC closed its office in Caracas after citing insufficient cooperation from the Venezuelan government, which was then led by former President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela is now led by Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who has developed close ties with the Trump administration. The U.S. administration has openly criticized the ICC and has stated its intention to dismantle the court.

Following Venezuela's withdrawal, the United States welcomed the decision, describing the ICC as "corrupt" and "worthless" in an official statement. The development has intensified debate over international justice and accountability, with human rights organizations warning that Venezuela's departure from the ICC could further limit avenues for investigating alleged crimes against humanity.