ICC Closes Caracas Office,Continues Venezuela Crimes Against Humanity Examination
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is closing its office in Caracas,citing a lack of ample progress in Venezuelan investigations into alleged crimes against humanity. Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang announced the decision Monday at the 24th Assembly of States Parties, explaining that despite ongoing engagement with Venezuelan authorities, “real progress remains a challenge.”
The ICC opened its Caracas office in 2024 to collaborate with Venezuelan authorities, operating under the principle of complementarity – which stipulates the ICC onyl intervenes when national judicial systems are unwilling or unable to genuinely investigate and prosecute crimes within its jurisdiction. Niang stated the closure was a strategic decision to effectively allocate the Court’s limited resources.
Despite the office closure,the ICC investigation into alleged crimes against humanity committed in Venezuela since 2017 remains active. The investigation will now be managed by a team of prosecutors based in The Hague.
The Venezuelan government has consistently opposed the ICC investigation, maintaining that its own judicial system is actively investigating relevant cases. Though, the Court rejected this argument in 2023, authorizing the continuation of its self-reliant investigation.
Previously, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan described the opening of the Caracas office as a “unique prospect” to advance investigations and provide technical support to Venezuela. The closure marks a shift in the relationship between the ICC and Caracas, following months of dialog regarding accountability for alleged human rights violations. The investigation was initially prompted by referrals from multiple countries in 2018.
