A coalition of independent UN human rights experts on April 3 called on additional states to join the Hague Group. The statement urges states to ensure accountability for Israel's violations of international law and to cooperate with the international courts to restore the rule-based international order. ​

The experts, part of the UN Human Rights Council's Special Procedures, expressed concern that the credibility of the international legal system is at risk due to inaction over ongoing violations in the occupied Palestinian territories. They warned that failure to act could set back the multilateral system by decades and called for decisive, principled and concerted action.

The UN experts also highlighted the disproportionate impact of the ongoing conflict on vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. They stressed that ensuring accountability for violations is essential to safeguarding fundamental human rights and preserving international peace and security. The experts concluded:

We call on all nations to join us in our solemn commitment to an international order based on the rule of law. Only through coordinated, collective action can we hope to end this cycle of impunity and safeguard the rights and lives of those affected.

On Jan. 31, delegates from nine nations (including South Africa, Malaysia, Colombia and Bolivia) formed the Hague Group, responding to the failure of the broader international community to halt Israel's military actions and crimes against Palestinians in the occupied territories. Drawing on a series of binding and advisory rulings, the group's declaration especially cited the Advisory Opinion of July 2024, issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The opinion asserted the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and called for a total and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories.

International human rights groups have documented numerous violations of international humanitarian law, from indiscriminate air-strikes that hit civilian shelters and hospitals, to targeted demolitions and forced evictions in both Gaza and the West Bank. International legal actions have mounted, including an International Criminal Court investigation and South Africa’s application to the ICJ, accusing under the Genocide Convention. Israeli authorities have refused to cooperate with UN inquiries or investigate alleged war crimes.

From JURIST, April 8. Used with permission.

Note: Having just visited Hungary, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week met with Donald Trump at the White House, where the two discussed their plan to "transfer" the population of the Gaza Strip. (NYT) These meetings took place in defiance of an ICC warrant for Netanyahu's arrest on war crimes charges. (NYT)

Nicaragua last week withdrew its application to intervene in the proceedings of South Africa v Israel at the ICJ, without citing any reason for its decision. (Jurist) But just days earlier, the UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua released a landmark report naming 54 Nicaraguan officials allegedly responsible for grave human rights violations. The violations occurred as part of a systematic campaign of repression orchestrated by President Daniel Ortega's government. (Jurist)

See our last report on genocide accusations against Israel.