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Rabat – Colombia has formally intervened in the case concerning the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel), invoking Article 63 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice.
Article 63 of the Statute of the court gives States a right to intervene whenever the construction of a multilateral convention is in question
“To clarify, Colombia is not seeking to become a party in the proceedings brought by South Africa against Israel. Colombia’s intervention is aimed at assisting the Court in construing the provisions of the Convention that are in question in this case,” reads the statement.
The intervention, filed on April 5, 2024, highlights Colombia’s stance on the importance of upholding international law, particularly in situations where genocide is alleged.
By exercising its right of intervention, Colombia aims to contribute to the interpretation and application of the Genocide Convention, which it views as a fundamental instrument of international law.
In its declaration, Colombia highlights the obligations under the Genocide Convention, emphasizing the duty of all states parties to prevent, repress, and punish genocide.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the Israeli Occupation Forces campaign causing widespread death and destruction over the past six months.
The United Nations reports over 33,000 fatalities and more than 75,000 injuries, predominantly among women and children.
The relentless and merciless campaign has pushed Gaza to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe, threatening regional stability and eroding confidence in global norms.
The case originated from an application filed by South Africa against Israel on December 29, 2023, alleging failures to fulfill obligations under the Genocide Convention concerning Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
“The facts and evidence in South Africa’s Application, would demonstrate that in the case of the situation in Gaza, the authorities of a State Party to the Convention have committed all of the acts punishable under Article III of the Convention and, in doing so, they have engaged the international responsibility of that State,” reads the statement.
Public hearings have been held as a result of South Africa’s application and there have been requests of and indications for provisional measures by the Court.
