Fact Check: Hungary's Withdrawal from the ICC
What We Know
Hungary has announced its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), making it the third member state to do so after Burundi and the Philippines. According to the BBC, Hungary's government confirmed that it will send a written notification to the UN Secretary-General, with the withdrawal taking effect one year later, as stipulated by Article 127 of the Rome Statute, which established the ICC. This decision aligns with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's criticism of the ICC, which he described as a "political court" rather than an impartial judicial body (AP News).
The ICC currently has 125 member states, and Hungary's departure will make it the only country in the European Union not to be a signatory to the court (Reuters). The withdrawal process has been confirmed by multiple sources, including Human Rights Watch, which noted that Hungary would indeed become the third country to leave the ICC (Human Rights Watch).
Analysis
The claim that Hungary's withdrawal from the ICC will take effect one year after notifying the UN Secretary-General is supported by the Rome Statute's provisions. The BBC clearly outlines this timeline, which is a critical aspect of the withdrawal process (BBC). Furthermore, the assertion that Hungary will be the third country to leave the ICC is corroborated by multiple reputable sources, including Human Rights Watch and AP News, which both confirm that only Burundi and the Philippines have previously withdrawn from the court (AP News, Human Rights Watch).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations and human rights advocacy groups known for their rigorous reporting standards. The BBC and AP News, in particular, have a long history of providing accurate and timely news coverage. The information presented aligns with the official statements made by Hungarian officials, including Prime Minister Orbán, who has publicly justified the withdrawal by criticizing the ICC's impartiality (AP News).
Conclusion
The claim that "Hungary's withdrawal from the ICC will take effect one year after the notification to the UN Secretary-General, making it the third ICC member to leave the court after Burundi and the Philippines" is True. This conclusion is based on the clear provisions of the Rome Statute regarding withdrawal timelines and the corroborating reports from multiple credible sources confirming Hungary's status as the third country to exit the ICC.
Sources
- Hungary withdraws from International Criminal Court during ... - BBC Link
- Hungarian lawmakers approve bill to quit International ... - Reuters Link
- Orbán says Hungary is quitting the ICC to end its 'half-hearted ... - AP News Link
- Hungary: Orbán Government Withdraws from ICC - Human Rights Watch Link
- Hungary's Withdrawal from the International Criminal Court - Lawful Legal Link
