The Hague Group Inaugurated, Reaffirms Commitment to Upholding International Law

The Hague Group was formally inaugurated yesterday in The Hague, Netherlands, with representatives from nine countries, including Malaysia, Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa.

Malaysia Represented at the Inauguration

Malaysia was represented by its ambassador to the Netherlands, Roseli Abdul, at the inauguration of the The Hague Group.

Historic Joint Statement

In a historic joint statement, the participating nations reaffirmed their commitment to upholding international law and ensuring accountability for alleged crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory. The statement emphasized the collective responsibility of the international community to uphold the Palestinian right to self-determination.

Legal Instruments Cited

The statement cited several key legal instruments, including the orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in South Africa v Israel on December 29, 2023, which reflected serious concern about the perpetration of crimes of genocide in Palestine. Additionally, reference was made to the ICJ advisory opinion of July 19, 2024, regarding the legal consequences arising from Israel’s policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territory, as well as the ICJ’s 2004 ruling on the legal consequences of constructing a wall in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Arrest Warrants Issued

The group also recalled the issuance of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on November 21, 2024, against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, indicating “reasonable grounds to believe” they bear criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Obligations Under International Law

The statement further referenced the April 30, 2024, ruling in Nicaragua v Germany, which reminded all states of their obligations under international law concerning arms transfers to conflict parties.

Commitments Made

As part of their commitments, the representatives pledged to “prevent the provision or transfer of arms, munitions, and related equipment to Israel, in all cases where there is a clear risk that such arms and related items might be used to commit or facilitate violations of humanitarian law, international human rights law, or the prohibition on genocide.” The group also committed to preventing the docking of vessels at any port within their territorial jurisdiction, where applicable, in cases where there is a clear risk of the vessel being used to carry military fuel and weaponry to Israel.

Unified Global Action

The Hague Group emphasized the importance of unified global action. “We will take further effective measures to end Israeli occupation of the state of Palestine and remove obstacles to the realisation of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination,” the statement read. “We invite all nations to take every possible action to end Israel’s occupation of the state of Palestine. We urge all nations to join us in The Hague Group in the solemn commitment to an international order based on the rule of law and international law, which, together with the principles of justice, is essential for peaceful coexistence and cooperation among states.”

Conclusion

The inauguration of the The Hague Group marks an important step towards upholding international law and ensuring accountability for alleged crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory. The group’s commitments to preventing the provision of arms and military fuel to Israel, as well as preventing the docking of vessels, demonstrate a unified global effort to end Israeli occupation and promote peace and cooperation in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the The Hague Group?
A: The The Hague Group is a coalition of nine countries, including Malaysia, Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa, that aims to uphold international law and ensure accountability for alleged crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Q: What is the purpose of the The Hague Group?
A: The purpose of the The Hague Group is to promote peace and cooperation in the region by upholding international law and ensuring accountability for alleged crimes committed in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Q: What are the commitments made by the The Hague Group?
A: The The Hague Group has committed to preventing the provision of arms and military fuel to Israel, as well as preventing the docking of vessels, in cases where there is a clear risk of such items being used to commit or facilitate violations of humanitarian law, international human rights law, or the prohibition on genocide.