International Criminal Court: Prosecutor Karim Khan's second visit to Venezuela in the framework of international cooperation

04-04-2022

Grace ATALUI MOKANGO

International Justice and Human Rights Researcher 

Global Human Rights Defence

On 31 March 2022, Prosecutor Karim Khan concluded his second official visit to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. In a statement on the same date, the Prosecutor indicated that this visit was an opportunity to agree on significant measures that will strengthen cooperation and accelerate the pace of independent activities arising from his decision to open an investigation in November 2021 into the situation in Venezuela. 

He subsequently thanked the country's authorities for their invitation and the constructive dialogue established. In particular, he thanked the President of the Republic, H.E. Nicolás Maduro Moros, for the collaboration he continues to provide and with whom he has had a fruitful and frank dialogue. The Prosecutor indicated that the Venezuelan authorities continue to believe that the conditions for an investigation are not met. Therefore, he acknowledges that their commitment to strengthen cooperation with his Office to get to the truth is to their credit. Further to this ICC-Venezuela cooperation in the fight against impunity, and subject to progress in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Office and the Government of Venezuela(signed during the first visit of the Prosecutor to Caracas in November 2021), it was agreed that the Office of the Prosecutor and the Government of Venezuela would work together to organise meetings and conferences on international criminal justice in Caracas in 2023 to promote the exchange of experiences and best practices among States in the region.

He concluded that his Office continues to engage in the situation in Venezuela and remains alert to any opportunities that may arise to consolidate its partnerships with all relevant actors under the values and principles of the Rome Statute.

Source and further reading

International Criminal Court, Statement of ICC Prosecutor, Karim A.A. Khan QC, on completion of second visit to Venezuela: “Through cooperation we will accelerate our common work towards justice.”, ( 31 March 2022), from: https://www.icc-cpi.int/Pages/item.aspx?name=20220331-prosecutor-statement-venezuela