On August 7, 2026, the Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute issued a statement expressing concern about Chad’s and Venezuela’s decisions to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Presidency stated that the withdrawals risk undermining the collective pursuit of justice and weakening international efforts to end impunity. The Presidency expressed regret over the decisions and called on both countries to reconsider and remain states parties to the Rome Statute.

Venezuela notified the UN Secretary-General of its withdrawal decision on July 24, 2026, while Chad submitted its notification on July 27, 2026. Both countries strongly criticized the ICC for alleged geographic and political bias. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Félix Plasencia stated that the decision was “firm and irrevocable.” In January 2025, the ICC closed its Caracas office citing the lack of cooperation from the Venezuelan government. The closure of the office did not terminate the ICC’s ongoing investigation, but reflected the lack of cooperation.

Chad similarly alleged that the ICC disproportionately concentrates its investigations and prosecutions on African countries. Additionally, in 2025, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso jointly decided to withdraw from the Rome Statute. Chad thus became the fourth African country since 2025 to begin withdrawing from the ICC.

Under Article 127(1) of the Rome Statute, a withdrawal decision becomes effective one year after the UN Secretary-General receives the  state’s notification. Venezuela’s withdrawal is therefore expected to take effect on  July 24, 2027, while Chad’s is expected to take effect  on July 27, 2027. The Presidency emphasized that withdrawal does not retroactively relieve Venezuela or Chad’s obligations arising while they are state parties  as per Article 127(2) of the Rome Statute. Additionally, Venezuela’s withdrawal decision  will not terminate the ICC’s investigation concerning alleged crimes committed in the country since April 2027. 

Photo by Tony Webster (CC BY 2.0)