February 6, 2025
![Members of "The Hague Group" [Image credit: AP Photo]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e28a6b_e8f9096f1b5c45e19f2785402fb21e15~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_49,h_27,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_avif,quality_auto/e28a6b_e8f9096f1b5c45e19f2785402fb21e15~mv2.png)
HRRC joins The Hague Group in condemning Israel's actions against Palestinians, including genocide, crimes against humanity, and other serious human rights violations.
On January 31, a coalition of nine countries—Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa—came together in The Hague, Netherlands, to inaugurate The Hague Group. The launch was marked by a press conference attended by delegates from these nations, alongside distinguished guests and journalists from prominent news agencies.
What is The Hague Group?
In an opening statement, Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, Co-General Coordinator of Progressive International, the organization that hosted the meeting, described the group as "a platform for collective action at national, international, and multilateral levels." The Hague Group is committed to upholding international law and holding Israel accountable for its actions against the Palestinian people.
Declaration of Intent
The group has pledged to:
Uphold UN Resolution A/RES/Es-10/24, which demands that Israel end its unlawful occupation of Palestinian territories within a year.
Comply with the ICJ advisory opinion by preventing the transfer of military aid and arms to Israel.
Prohibit any vessels suspected of carrying military aid to Israel from docking at their ports.
Additionally, The Hague Group calls for the implementation of all rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) and expresses full support for South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ.
Notable Keynote Speakers
Namibia
The Namibian representative, Minister of Justice Yvonne Dausab stressed that international law must apply equally to all nations. Namibia enforced this principle in August of 2024 when it denied MV Kathrin, a vessel suspected of transporting military cargo to Israel, from docking at Walvis Bay, Namibia’s largest port.
South Africa
Two representatives from South Africa’s International Relations Ministry urged Global South nations to unite in holding Israel accountable. They criticized Western countries for shielding Israel from responsibility and undermining the authority of international institutions.
South Africa made global headlines in 2023 when it filed a case against Israel at the ICJ, accusing it of carrying out acts of genocide against the Palestinian people.
Ending Apartheid and Defending Palestinian Rights
The Hague Group demands an end to Israel’s apartheid policies and reaffirms the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
As a global movement for justice, the Hague Group urges other states to join this historic coalition and stresses the power of global activism in compelling governments to act—highlighting the contribution of international pressure to the fall of apartheid in South Africa. The group also calls for diplomatic and legal measures to isolate Israel until it complies with international law.
HRRC echoes Article 5 of UN Resolution A/RES/ES-10/24 and encourages other nations—particularly those with a strong influence at the United Nations—to take action to end the ongoing atrocities against the Palestinian people.
We encourage our readers to watch the full inauguration here.
Glossary
Apartheid: Institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, notably in South Africa (1948–1994), condemned as a crime against humanity.
Atrocities: Extremely cruel, violent, or inhumane acts, often committed during war or conflict.
Coalition: A temporary alliance of individuals, groups, or nations working together for a common purpose.
Crimes Against Humanity: An act or acts committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against any civilian population, with knowledge of the attack.
Delegate: A person authorized to represent others, especially at a conference or in negotiations.
Diplomatic: Related to managing international relations through negotiation, tact, and protocol.
Genocide: The intentional destruction of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group, as defined by the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Inaugurate: To formally begin or introduce something, such as a position, event, or system.
International Criminal Court (ICC): A tribunal established in 2002 to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression.
International Court of Justice (ICJ): The UN’s principal judicial body that settles disputes between states and provides legal opinions.
Keynote Speaker: The main speaker at an event, often setting the theme or tone of a conference.
Multilateral: Involving three or more groups, countries, or parties working together in an agreement or discussion.
Prominent: Well-known, important, or noticeable in a particular field or context.
Self-determination: The right of people or nations to make their own choices, especially regarding governance and independence.
Undermining: Weakening or sabotaging someone’s authority, confidence, or effectiveness.
Vessel: A large ship or container used for transporting goods, people, or substances.
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