Paris, Brussels, 4 April 2025. In a clear show of contempt for international justice, Victor Orbán chose the moment he welcomed ICC suspect Benjamin Netanyahu, to announce Hungary’s intention to withdraw from the Rome Statute. The move also emboldens Benjamin Netanyahu, as he escalates his war in the Gaza Strip, bombarding civilians and rescue workers as well as imposing a total blockade of food and essential supplies for over a month. The Israeli Prime Minister is wanted by the ICC for war crimes and crimes against humanity, amid growing accusations of genocide from various actors, including the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).
Victor Orbán’s announcement signals a total disregard for victims and survivors of the world’s most heinous crimes - not only in Gaza but also in every ICC situation, including Ukraine, Venezuela, Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Philippines. The ICC is the world’s only permanent international criminal court, and its member states must protect it.
"Orbán claims the Court is politicised and targets democracies, but the facts show otherwise. The Palestine investigation shows exactly the opposite: the ICC is not bowing to political pressure from powerful states. And it is a complete myth that democracies are immune from atrocities or from failing to hold their own leaders accountable, which is precisely why the ICC must step in", said Danya Chaikel, FIDH representative to the ICC in The Hague.
"Victor Orbán’s decision puts Hungary in the company of Burundi and the Philippines, until recently the only two countries that left the ICC after joining. In the case of Hungary, this withdrawal is far-reaching. It needs to be remembered that the ratification of the Rome Statute is one of the many conditions for joining the European Union. How can Hungary still be part of the EU after this withdrawal from the ICC? The EU must react firmly, by calling on Hungary to respect the common commitments", said Alexis Deswaef, FIDH vice-president.
"A growing number of EU member States have had enough of Hungary’s obstructions on all key files at the EU level. This announcement relating to the ICC is the cherry on the cake. Hungary has violated human rights and international law for too long within its own borders and concerning international situations such as Palestine and Ukraine", declared Elena Crespi, Head of the Western Europe Desk at FIDH.
Under Article 127 of the ICC Statute, Hungary’s withdrawal from the ICC cannot take effect for a year, after notifying the Secretary-General of the United Nations. In the meantime, Hungary still has a legal duty to arrest and surrender Netanyahu, and any other ICC suspect, to the Court in The Hague.
FIDH calls on EU member states to use the upcoming EU General Affairs Council in May, where the situation in Hungary will be examined in the context of Article 7.1 of the Treaty on European Union, to conclude that Hungary has acted in breach of EU values, opening the door to sanctions such as the suspension of Hungary’s voting rights within the Council.