Hungary announces withdrawal of membership from ICC

Why in news?

• The Hungarian government announced the withdrawal of its membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Key points:

• The announcement came as Prime Minister Viktor Orban arrived to meet his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu.
  • Benjamin Netanyahu has been issued an arrest warrant by the ICC.
• The withdrawal bill is likely to be approved by Hungary's parliament.
• The ICC has not yet commented on Hungary's announcement.
• The withdrawal of a state from the Court takes effect only one year after the withdrawal letter is submitted to the office of the UN Secretary-General.
• So far only Burundi and the Philippines have withdrawn from the ICC.

International Criminal Court (ICC):

• It is a permanent, independent and international court established to investigate and adjudicate the most serious international crimes. 
• Its main objective is to hold accountable those individuals who commit serious acts such as crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide and the crime of aggression.
• Establishment and Headquarters:
  • Established: 17 July 1998 through the Rome Statute
  • Came into force: 1 July 2002
  • Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands