Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney MLA is travelling to The Hague, Netherlands to attend the inauguration of ‘The Hague Group’; which will establish a unified governmental bloc to support South Africa’s action against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and also maximise international diplomatic and legal action in support of Palestinian national and human rights.
He will join the South African Foreign Minister, the Justice Minister of Namibia, and senior government representatives and diplomats from other key states which are leading solidarity with Palestine, including Colombia, Chile, Honduras, Malaysia, and Belizes.
Speaking ahead of the visit, the South Antrim MLA said:
“Sinn Féin’s participation in the launch of ‘The Hague Group’ underlines our unambiguous support for the Palestinian peoples’ right to self determination and national freedom, and for a unified global approach to the implementation of international humanitarian law; each of which is important to peace in the region, and the maintenance of the ceasefire.
“‘The Hague Group’ is a watershed moment in developing coordinated international state action against the use of genocide, occupation, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people.
“It’s inauguration comes almost one year to the day since 26 January 2024 when the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued provisional measures deeming a “plausible case of genocide” by Israel in Gaza, following South Africa’s legal action under the Genocide Convention.
“Since then Israel has continued to defy the ICJ and international law, successive resolutions passed at the UN General Assembly, as well as the rulings of the International Criminal Court.
Coordinated global, legal and political action is now urgently needed to build on the courageous moral leadership given by the government of South Africa.
“The formation of ‘The Hague Group’ is a hugely significant development. It is a decisive initiative aimed at maximising international pressure for sanctions and an arms embargo against Israel until the genocide ends, Palestinian national sovereignty and self determination are secured, and an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is established.”
