This article examines whether the U.S. military operation leading to the capture of Nicolás Maduro can be reconciled with the fundamental principles of international law, and why, even if it cannot, mechanisms of accountability remain largely ineffective and unlikely to be used.
In Venezuela, the promise of international justice has collided with the harsh realities of a state unwilling to hold perpetrators accountable. While the ICC relies on the principle of positive complementarity, its impact has been limited by political obstruction and a weakened judiciary. In contrast, civil society organisations have stepped into the void, documenting abuses, advocating for victims, and ensuring that justice reaches those most affected. In this sense, CSOs embody a form of “real complementarity,” transforming international legal frameworks into tangible pathways for accountability on the ground.
