South Africa has formerly requested, expressing its intention, to quit from Rome Statute that lewd to the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The move comes as several African countries have expressed concern that The Hague-based court has tried mostly African leaders.
Last year, South Africa said it planned to exit ICC after it faced criticism for not arresting Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir, who is accused of genocides and war crimes, when he visited the country.
Several media outlets say they have obtained a copy of the “Instrument of Withdrawal”, signed by South Africa’s foreign minister.
“The Republic of South Africa has found that its obligations with respect to the peaceful resolution of conflicts at times are incompatible with the interpretation given by the International Criminal Court,” the document says.
Neither South Africa nor the UN have officially confirmed the media reports.
Human Rights Watch criticised the reported move.
“South Africa’s proposed withdrawal from the International Criminal Court shows startling disregard for justice from a country long seen as a global leader on accountability for victims of the gravest crimes,” said Dewa Mavhinga, the NGO’s Africa division senior researcher.
“It’s important both for South Africa and the region that this runaway train be slowed down and South Africa’s hard-won legacy of standing with victims of mass atrocities be restored,” Mr Mavhinga said.