The Maldives has stated that it stands steadfast in supporting the Palestinian people in their pursuit for an independent and sovereign state. A delegation of Maldives delivered oral submissions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in support of Palestine.
Representing the Maldives at the ICJ hearing, Ambassador of the Maldives to Germany Aishath Shaan Shakir said, that support for the Palestinian people, including in their pursuit of an independent sovereign State of Palestine, has long been a cornerstone of the Maldives’ foreign policy and remains so under the government of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The Maldives further reiterated that the only sustainable solution to the conflict is the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at its 77th Session, adopted the resolution entitled “Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem” in which the General Assembly decided to request the ICJ to render an Advisory Opinion pursuant to Article 65 of the Statute of the Court. The decision was made in accordance with Article 96 of the Charter of the United Nations, which allows the General Assembly to seek an advisory opinion from the ICJ on any legal question.
In our efforts to demonstrate solidarity with Palestine, the Maldives submitted a written statement to the ICJ proceedings on July 25. 2023. States and international organisations that submitted written statements were given an opportunity to take part in the public hearings of the proceedings and present oral submissions.
The Maldives was also represented at the hearing by international lawyers, Amy Sander, Essex Court Chambers, member of the Bar of England and Wales, and Dr, Naomi Hart, Essex Court Chambers, member of the Bar of England and Wales. The lawyers focused their statements on Israel’s multiple, serious violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, focusing on its practices in relation to water resources, and responding to the two questions which the General Assembly has requested that the ICJ answer. The Maldives also joined multiple states in asserting that the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory amounts to apartheid.
The Maldives stands steadfast in supporting the Palestinian people in their pursuit for an independent sovereign state, and in calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire of the crimes of genocide being committed by Israel.