Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney MLA has addressed the inauguration of The Hague Group in the Netherlands.

The South Antrim MLA said:

“This is a pivotal moment for the Palestinian struggle for justice.

“Progressives and democrats have mobilised internationally like never before in support of the Palestinian people.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Republic of South Africa. It has acted with the courage of a moral super power.

“The unprecedented rulings of the ICJ and the ICC are direct products of South Africa’s actions.

“These landmark rulings from international courts demonstrate what one state (and now supported by others) can accomplish.

“However, these are beachheads, not final destinations.

“Among key lessons which we can take from the struggles for self-determination in South Africa, and Ireland, where national democracy has still to be achieved, are the importance of co-ordinated international initiatives and solidarity.

“From today, we should work to develop and strengthen ‘The Hague Group’.

“Let us resolve to make all of this work our common cause and ensure ‘The Hague Group’ has a transformational impact within our global institutions.

“And ultimately create the conditions in which all the children of Palestine can enjoy a peaceful, democratic future, in a sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.”