Delcy Rodríguez, the de facto dictator of Venezuela, is in The Hague this week, though not at the International Criminal Court (ICC) where a senior official of her regime belongs. Instead, she is being welcomed at another tribunal as a recognized head of state, despite her illegitimacy and her regime’s criminal record.

During her May 11 visit, Rodríguez did not stand trial for her regime’s crimes against humanity, but instead was given the chance to defend her country’s position in a territorial dispute over the Esequibo region at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Rodríguez has held key positions in the regime since Maduro first took power in 2013 — defending violent crackdowns, overseeing anti-democratic legislation, and helping sustain a regime-made humanitarian crisis that forced millions of Venezuelans into exile.

The gross spectacle is a reminder of how the international system has failed Venezuelans time and time again. The missed opportunity for justice at The Hague this week should serve as a wake up call to anyone who cares about the credibility of institutions like the ICC and ICJ. Read the full blog.