Hungary Says It Will Withdraw From I.C.C.
Hungary has announced that it will be withdrawing from the International Criminal Court (ICC), becoming the first country to do so. The decision was made by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government, which cited concerns over the court’s alleged bias and politicization.
The ICC is an international tribunal established in 2002 to prosecute individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression. It has 123 member states, including Hungary, which joined in 2000. However, Hungary’s relationship with the court has been strained in recent years, with Orban’s government accusing the ICC of being biased against certain countries and lacking accountability.
In a statement, Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the ICC had become a “political body” that “does not serve the interests of international justice.” The government also expressed concerns over the court’s handling of cases involving African countries, suggesting that the ICC unfairly targets leaders from the continent.
The decision to withdraw from the ICC has sparked criticism from human rights groups and international organizations. The Human Rights Watch called Hungary’s move “deeply regrettable” and warned that it could embolden other countries to follow suit. The European Union, of which Hungary is a member, has also expressed concerns about the decision and urged the country to reconsider.
Despite the backlash, Hungary’s government has remained firm in its decision to leave the ICC. Orban’s administration has been criticized for its authoritarian tendencies and attacks on democratic institutions, and the withdrawal from the ICC is seen as another step in this direction.
The move also comes at a time when the international community is grappling with issues of accountability and justice for human rights abuses. With Hungary’s withdrawal, questions have been raised about the future of the ICC and its ability to hold perpetrators of crimes accountable.
It remains to be seen how Hungary’s decision will impact its relationship with the international community and its standing on the world stage. But one thing is clear: the country’s withdrawal from the ICC is a concerning development that raises serious questions about its commitment to international justice and human rights.