Maldives to submit documents to ICJ against Israel next month

The Government of the Maldives has announced that the Maldives will submit the necessary documents to intervene with the case submitted by South Africa to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel. South Africa filed this case on December 29, 2023, alleging that Israel is violating the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, which came into effect in 1948. The Maldives has decided to intervene in the case, following the recommendation of the Cabinet.

Speaking at a special segment aired on PSM News, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Secretary for Multilateral Affairs Ahmed Shiyan emphasised the government’s efforts to intervene in the case submitted by South Africa against Israel. Secretary Shiyan indicated that the Maldives will thoroughly examine the case to identify areas where Israel can be held accountable and will present its findings to the ICJ in The Hague, Netherlands. The Maldives’ representative in this matter will be Attorney General Ahmed Usham.

Highlighting the Maldives’ efforts to fight for the right of Palestinians, Shiyan stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu also called for the establishment of Palestine as an independent state, in his address at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79). The president has urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions and affirmed that the Maldives will do everything possible to support Palestine and its cause.

The Maldives has consistently called for an end to the ongoing violence against the Palestinian people across various platforms. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the Maldives has demonstrated its support for Palestine at ministerial levels and in foreign affairs. It has reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to standing in solidarity with Palestine, a position that will remain unchanged.