The Hague Group: A Collective Effort to Uphold International Law and Defend Palestinian Rights
The Hague, Netherlands, January 31 – Nine countries, including Malaysia, will convene in The Hague to discuss their shared commitment to upholding international law, responding to threats against the International Criminal Court (ICC), and defending Palestinian rights.
The Participating Nations
The participating nations include Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa.
The Meeting and Expected Outcomes
Following the meeting, the nations are expected to form The Hague Group and announce "coordinated legal, economic, and diplomatic measures" to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law, including its ongoing actions in Gaza, at an afternoon press conference organized by the Progressive International, an international political organization.
The Need for Collective Action
"The Hague Group is born of necessity," said Co-General Coordinator of the Progressive International, Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, in a joint statement. "In a world where powerful nations act with impunity, we must stand together to defend the principles of justice, equality, and human rights."
Malaysian Prime Minister’s Statement
Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said, "Israel’s violations go beyond the mass murder and persecution of Palestinians. They strike at the very foundations of international law, which the global community has a duty to defend."
The Meeting’s Objectives
The meeting, convened by the Progressive International, will bring together state representatives from nine nations to explore collective action at both national and international levels in support of international law and Palestinian rights during the ongoing crisis.
Actions Already Taken
The discussions will build on actions already taken by these nations, including Belize and Bolivia’s severance of diplomatic ties with Israel, as well as Chile’s referral of the situation in Palestine to the ICC in January 2024 and its recall of its ambassador to Israel.
The Hague Group’s Formation
The Hague Group’s formation marks a turning point in the global response to exceptionalism and the broader erosion of international law. It sends a clear message: no nation is above the law, and no crime will go unanswered.
The City of Peace and Justice
The Hague, known as the City of Peace and Justice, is a symbolic location for this historic meeting. Home to the Peace Palace, the ICJ, and the ICC, The Hague represents the global community’s aspirations for a world governed by law, not force.
Conclusion
The Progressive International noted that today’s meeting and expected announcement of "coordinated legal, economic, and diplomatic measures" come at a critical moment, as international law faces unprecedented stress. The Hague Group’s formation is a significant step towards upholding international law and defending Palestinian rights.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the meeting?
A: The meeting aims to discuss the shared commitment to upholding international law, responding to threats against the ICC, and defending Palestinian rights.
Q: Which countries are participating in the meeting?
A: The participating nations include Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Honduras, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa.
Q: What are the expected outcomes of the meeting?
A: The nations are expected to form The Hague Group and announce "coordinated legal, economic, and diplomatic measures" to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law.
Q: Why is the meeting significant?
A: The meeting marks a turning point in the global response to exceptionalism and the broader erosion of international law. It sends a clear message: no nation is above the law, and no crime will go unanswered.