ICC calls on Chad, Venezuela to reconsider withdrawals
The International Criminal Court has urged Chad and Venezuela to reconsider their decisions to withdraw from the Rome Statute. Both nations have accused the court of geographical bias, while the U.S. continues to exert diplomatic pressure against the institution.
Why it matters
The withdrawal of multiple nations from the ICC threatens the court's legitimacy and its ability to enforce international justice.
THE HAGUE - The International Criminal Court (ICC) expressed concern Friday at the decision by Chad and Venezuela to withdraw from the body and called on them to reconsider.'The presidency regrets these developments,' said a statement from the court's leadership, currently made up of Finland, Sierra Leone and Poland.It said that withdrawals from the Rome statute that set up the ICC 'risk undermining the collective pursuit of justice and weakening global efforts to end impunity.'It added: 'The ICC stands at the heart of the international system of accountability, and its effectiveness depends on sustained and unequivocal support from the international community.''The presidency calls on Chad and Venezuela to remain committed states parties to the Rome Statute.'Venezuela announced its withdrawal from The Hague-based court on July 25 and Chad two days later.
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