Positive Complementarity of the ICC vis-à-vis the real complementarity of Civil Society Organisations in ensuring justice in Venezuela
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.
