Fact Check: Hungary's Withdrawal from the ICC
What We Know
Hungary's government has announced its intention to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), making it the first European Union member state to do so. This decision was confirmed during a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently subject to an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza (BBC). According to Article 127 of the Rome Statute, Hungary's withdrawal will take effect one year after it formally notifies the United Nations Secretary-General (Human Rights Watch). This means that Hungary will remain bound by its obligations to the ICC until the withdrawal is finalized.
Analysis
The claim that Hungary's withdrawal from the ICC will take effect one year after notification to the UN Secretary-General is accurate and supported by multiple sources. The BBC states that Hungary must send written notification to the UN, and the withdrawal will take effect one year later, confirming the timeline outlined in the Rome Statute. Similarly, Human Rights Watch reiterates this point, emphasizing that Hungary will be the only non-ICC member state in the European Union if the withdrawal is completed.
The reliability of these sources is high, as they come from established news organizations and reputable human rights advocacy groups. The BBC is known for its comprehensive reporting, while Human Rights Watch is a respected organization focused on international human rights issues. Both sources provide a clear and factual account of Hungary's withdrawal process and its implications.
Critically, while Hungary's decision has been framed within the context of its political alignment with Israel and its criticism of the ICC as a "political court," the legal implications of the withdrawal are significant. Until the withdrawal takes effect, Hungary remains obligated to comply with ICC mandates, including executing arrest warrants (Human Rights Watch). This aspect underscores the ongoing obligations that Hungary must fulfill, despite its decision to withdraw.
Conclusion
The claim that Hungary's withdrawal from the ICC will take effect one year after notification to the UN Secretary-General, making it the only non-ICC member state in the European Union if the withdrawal is finalized, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports the timeline and implications of Hungary's decision, confirming that it will indeed be the first EU member to exit the ICC.
Sources
- Hungary withdraws from International Criminal Court during ... - BBC
- Hungary: Orbán Government Withdraws from ICC - Human Rights Watch
- Hungarian lawmakers approve bill to quit International ... - Reuters
- Hungary approves exit from International Criminal Court - JNS
- Hungarian parliament approves bill to leave International Criminal Court - Le Monde
- Victims lose out as Hungary withdraws from the ICC Rome ... - Coalition for the ICC
- Hungary: Withdrawal from ICC does not absolve Hungary of its legal ... - Amnesty International
