Fact Check: Hungary's Withdrawal from the International Criminal Court
What We Know
On June 2, 2025, Hungary formally notified the United Nations Secretary-General of its decision to withdraw from the Rome Statute, the founding treaty of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This notification followed a decision made by the Hungarian parliament on May 20, 2025, to proceed with the withdrawal (BBC, Human Rights Watch). Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had previously announced the intention to leave the ICC on April 3, during a visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently sought under an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes (Human Rights Watch, CNN).
Hungary's withdrawal is significant as it marks the first time a European Union member state has opted out of the ICC, which currently has 125 member states (BBC). The withdrawal will take effect one year after the notification, in accordance with Article 127 of the Rome Statute (BBC, Human Rights Watch).
Analysis
The claim that Hungary notified the UN Secretary-General of its withdrawal from the ICC on June 2, 2025, is supported by multiple credible sources. The BBC reported on the formal notification and the parliamentary decision, emphasizing the political context surrounding Hungary's withdrawal, particularly its alignment with Israel amidst ongoing ICC investigations (BBC). Human Rights Watch also confirmed the notification date and provided context regarding the implications of Hungary's decision, highlighting its potential impact on international justice and the responsibilities of ICC member states (Human Rights Watch).
The reliability of these sources is high. The BBC is a well-respected international news organization known for its rigorous journalistic standards, while Human Rights Watch is a reputable non-governmental organization focused on human rights advocacy. Both sources provide a detailed account of the events leading to Hungary's withdrawal, including the political motivations behind the decision.
Additionally, the Reuters report corroborates the timeline of events, confirming that the Hungarian parliament approved the withdrawal on May 20, 2025 (Reuters). This consistency across multiple sources strengthens the credibility of the claim.
Conclusion
The claim that Hungary formally notified the United Nations Secretary-General on June 2, 2025, of its withdrawal from the Rome Statute, following a parliamentary decision on May 20, 2025, is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms the timeline and context of Hungary's withdrawal from the ICC.
Sources
- Hungary withdraws from International Criminal Court during Netanyahu visit - BBC
- Hungary: Orbán Government Withdraws from ICC - Human Rights Watch
- Hungarian lawmakers approve bill to quit International Criminal Court - Reuters
- PDF Reference: C.N.225.2025.TREATIES-XVIII.10 - UN Treaties
- Hungary Announces Withdrawal from International Criminal Court - American Society of International Law
- Hungary says it will pull out of ICC as it hosts Israel's Netanyahu - CNN
