The Assembly of States Parties has urged Chad and Venezuela to reconsider their decisions to withdraw from the Rome Statute, warning that disengagement could weaken international efforts to combat impunity and pursue justice for serious crimes.

The Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to the Rome Statute has expressed concern over steps taken by the governments of Chad and Venezuela toward withdrawal from the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a statement, the ASP Presidency said it regretted the developments and warned that withdrawals from the Rome Statute could undermine collective efforts to ensure accountability for serious international crimes.

According to the Presidency, the effectiveness of the International Criminal Court depends significantly on sustained support from the international community and continued cooperation among States Parties.

“Decisions by States Parties to disengage from the Rome Statute risk undermining the collective pursuit of justice and weakening global efforts to end impunity.”

Assembly Calls on Chad and Venezuela to Reconsider

The Presidency called on Chad and Venezuela to remain committed to the Rome Statute and continue participating constructively within the framework of the Assembly of States Parties.

It also emphasized that States Parties have the right to raise concerns about the functioning of the Rome Statute system and the ICC through the Assembly.

Rather than disengaging from the system, the Presidency encouraged both governments to participate in a meaningful dialogue on their concerns.

The statement reflects broader concerns about the potential impact of withdrawals on the international accountability system, particularly at a time when the ICC continues to face significant political and institutional challenges.

Withdrawal Does Not Erase Existing Obligations

The ASP Presidency also recalled an important legal consequence of withdrawal from the Rome Statute: leaving the treaty does not automatically relieve a State of obligations arising during the period in which it was a State Party.

This principle is particularly significant because withdrawal from an international treaty does not necessarily erase legal responsibilities that arose before the withdrawal became effective.

The Presidency therefore emphasized that Chad and Venezuela remain connected to obligations arising from their periods of participation in the Rome Statute system.

Chad and Venezuela’s Contributions to the ICC

The Assembly Presidency also acknowledged the contributions made by Chad and Venezuela to the collective work of the Assembly of States Parties.

Both countries have participated in the institutional framework supporting the ICC as an independent and impartial judicial institution.

The Presidency stressed that the Rome Statute system is built around collective engagement by States Parties and that the pursuit of international justice is strengthened when countries maintain a common commitment to accountability.

Why the Rome Statute Matters

The Rome Statute established the International Criminal Court as a permanent institution to prosecute individuals for the gravest international crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and, under specified conditions, the crime of aggression.

The treaty-based system is founded on the principle that individuals responsible for serious international crimes should not enjoy impunity when national systems are unwilling or genuinely unable to address such crimes.

The Assembly of States Parties serves as the management oversight and legislative body of the ICC. It is composed of representatives of countries that have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute.

The Assembly plays an important role in the administration and institutional functioning of the Court, including matters relating to its budget, oversight and broader governance.

International Justice at a Critical Moment

The developments involving Chad and Venezuela highlight continuing debates surrounding international criminal justice, state sovereignty and cooperation with international judicial institutions.

For human rights organizations and advocates of international accountability, maintaining strong international cooperation remains essential to ensuring that perpetrators of grave crimes can be investigated and, where appropriate, prosecuted.

The ASP Presidency’s call for dialogue suggests that concerns surrounding the ICC should be addressed through established institutional mechanisms rather than through disengagement from the Rome Statute system.

The Presidency concluded by emphasizing the importance of unity of purpose in the pursuit of justice and encouraged Chad and Venezuela to continue their engagement with the Assembly of States Parties.

About the Assembly of States Parties

The Assembly of States Parties is the management oversight and legislative body of the International Criminal Court. It brings together representatives of States that have ratified or acceded to the Rome Statute.

The current Presidency is composed of President Päivi Kaukoranta of Finland, with Vice-Presidents Michael Imran Kanu of Sierra Leone and Margareta Kassangana of Poland.

Source: Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute.

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