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Maldives delivers oral submissions at the International Court of Justice in support of Palestine

Maldives delivers oral submissions at the International ... Image 1

 

26 February 2024

The Government of Maldives today, appeared before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and presented oral submissions in the advisory proceedings entitled Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.

The United Nations General Assembly at its 77th Session, adopted the resolution (No. 77/247) entitled “Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem” in which the General Assembly decided to request the ICJ to render an Advisory Opinion pursuant to Article 65 of the Statute of the Court. This decision was made in accordance with Article 96 of the Charter of the United Nations, which allows the General Assembly to seek an advisory opinion from the ICJ on any legal question.

In our efforts to demonstrate solidarity with Palestine, the Government of Maldives submitted a written statement to the ICJ proceedings on 25th July 2023. States and international organisations that submitted written statements were given an opportunity to take part in the public hearings of the proceedings and present oral submissions.

Representing the Government of Maldives at the hearing held today, Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to Germany Her Excellency Aishath Shaan Shakir said, that support for the Palestinian people, including in their pursuit of an independent sovereign State of Palestine, has long been a cornerstone of the Maldives’ foreign policy and remains so under the Government of President His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The Maldives further reiterated that the only sustainable solution to the conflict is the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Maldives was also represented at today’s hearing by international lawyers, Ms Amy Sander, Essex Court Chambers, member of the Bar of England and Wales, and Dr Naomi Hart, Essex Court Chambers, member of the Bar of England and Wales. The lawyers focused their statements on Israel’s multiple, serious violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, focusing on its practices in relation to water resources, and responding to the two questions which the General Assembly has requested that the ICJ answer. The Maldives also joined multiple states in asserting that the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory amounts to apartheid.

The Government of Maldives stands steadfast in supporting the Palestinian people in their pursuit for an independent sovereign State of Palestine, and in calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire of the crimes of genocide being committed by Israel.