Belgium to Intervene in Genocide Case Against Israel at ICJ
Belgium to Submit Interpretation of Genocide Convention Article 2 to ICJ
Belgium has decided to submit its interpretation of Article 2 of the 1948 United Nations (UN) Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), according to information from Ministry of Foreign Affairs sources.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hadja Lahbib stated that Belgium received a letter from the ICJ on February 7, inviting states party to the convention to share their interpretations of the convention in a particular case. Belgium aims to participate in this process to strengthen the universality of international agreements. The country emphasized that this action is not about taking sides but rather about upholding the principles of the convention.
While there is no set content or date for Belgium’s submission yet, the process is expected to take several months. Article 63 of the ICJ Statute grants states the right to intervene in the interpretation of conventions they are party to, even if they are not directly involved in the dispute.
This development comes in the wake of a genocide case filed against Israel at the ICJ by the Republic of South Africa on December 29, 2023. The court issued precautionary measures against Israel on January 26, instructing the country to prevent acts defined in Article 2 of the Genocide Convention and protect Palestinians in Gaza.
In an interview with AA correspondent, Vusi Madonsela, the Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa in the Hague, urged all states party to the convention to present their interpretations and evidence of Israel’s alleged genocide. The ICJ proceedings regarding the case are ongoing, with significant implications for international law and human rights.
