**ICC Body Urges Chad and Venezuela to Reverse Withdrawal Decisions**
The Assembly of States Parties, the governing body of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has called on Chad and Venezuela to reconsider their decisions to withdraw from the court. In a statement released on August 7, 2026, from The Hague, the assembly expressed concern over the potential implications of these withdrawals, emphasizing that such actions could undermine the global fight against impunity.
The assembly urged both nations to remain committed to the ICC and to address any grievances through dialogue within the framework of the institution rather than opting for withdrawal. This appeal comes at a time when the ICC is experiencing a significant wave of departures, with five countries announcing their intentions to leave since the previous year.
Chad announced its withdrawal from the ICC on July 27, 2026, citing concerns over what it described as an uneven and biased record of the court, particularly against African nations. The Chadian government pointed out that out of the seven suspects currently in ICC custody, six are linked to cases from Africa.
Venezuela followed suit just three days later, with Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia informing the United Nations that the decision, made under the directive of Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, was “firm and irrevocable.” Venezuela echoed Chad’s sentiments, accusing the ICC of geographic bias against both Africa and Latin America.
The ICC operates under the Rome Statute, which stipulates that a member state's withdrawal takes one year to be formalized. During this period, the obligations of membership remain in effect, and ongoing investigations, such as the ICC's long-running inquiry into Venezuela, will continue unabated.
Chad and Venezuela's decisions to withdraw align them with other nations, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which announced their exits from the ICC in the previous year. These withdrawals have occurred amidst increasing pressure from the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which has actively sought to diminish the court's authority. The U.S. government has cited various motivations for its stance, including the ICC's investigation into allegations against U.S. military personnel in Afghanistan and the court's issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu related to war crimes in Gaza.
Chad's government revealed that its decision to withdraw was influenced by a direct communication from a senior U.S. diplomat, urging reconsideration of its ICC membership. The Trump administration's campaign against the ICC has been characterized as a "whole-of-government" effort aimed at systematically undermining the tribunal's power.
The recent departures from the ICC come amid broader concerns about the court's stability, particularly following the dismissal of its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, over allegations of sexual misconduct. This incident has further fueled doubts regarding the court's resilience and effectiveness.
Analysts suggest that the future of the ICC may depend on the engagement of its remaining member states. There is a growing concern that neglect and disengagement could lead to a weakening of the institution's authority and ability to prosecute international crimes.
In light of these developments, the Assembly of States Parties remains hopeful that Chad and Venezuela will reconsider their positions and reaffirm their commitments to the ICC, thereby contributing to the ongoing fight against impunity on a global scale.