The International Court of Justice in The Hague has resumed hearings on Ukraine’s lawsuit against Russia. Ukraine accuses Russia of intentionally destroying representatives of the Ukrainian nationality and speculating on the topic of genocide.
The lawsuit was filed by Kyiv with the International Court of Justice on February 27, 2022, just three days after the start of the full-scale invasion by Russian forces.
Russia manipulates the concept of genocide to justify its aggression; it intentionally spread false claims about alleged acts of genocide against the Russian-speaking population in Donbas. Russia used this as a basis for deploying troops and launching a full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.
Ukraine points out that the 1948 UN Convention on Genocide does not allow for invasion as a means of prevention. Russia, on the other hand, argues that this matter is not within the jurisdiction of the International Court, as the Genocide Convention does not regulate the use of force between states.
The International Court’s session is dedicated to preliminary objections raised by the Russian Federation. The hearings will take place in two rounds: on September 18 and 25, the floor will be given to the Russian side, while Ukraine will present its case on September 19 and 27. The dispute concerns the interpretation, application, and enforcement of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention of Genocide and Punishment for It.
Russia’s justification for aggression is entirely false. Putin’s empire has been waging a genocidal war on Ukraine’s territory for almost two years, witnessed by the whole world. Footage from Bucha, Irpin, Izyum, and other Ukrainian cities and villages has horrified the world. Russia is attempting to destroy not only the peaceful population of Ukraine but also the Ukrainian language, culture, and history. The Russian dictator is consumed by a manic hatred of everything Ukrainian. The evil that Russia is committing in Ukraine is aimed at the extermination of the Ukrainian nation. Putin no longer even tries to hide the true goals of his expansionist war — the genocide of the Ukrainian people. The occupation of foreign territories, the destruction of hundreds of thousands of people, the abduction of children, millions of refugees – isn’t this genocide? The Russian state, openly rejoicing in the misfortunes and sorrows it has caused to Ukrainians, propagates a rhetoric of hatred worldwide.
The aggressive war unleashed by the Russian regime against Ukraine has undermined international peace and security, respect for human rights, and international law. The hearings on Ukraine’s lawsuit against Russia regarding the genocide convention will have significant international importance. The UN International Court of Justice announced an unprecedented decision to admit 32 states as third parties in Ukraine’s lawsuit against Russia. These countries are also parties to the same Convention and have an interest in ensuring that its provisions are correctly interpreted and applied from the perspective of international law.
It is necessary for the entire civilized world to choose a commitment to universal human values and international law and resolutely condemn the criminal war that the Kremlin continues to wage. Not long ago, some politicians called for «saving face for Putin,» but it seems that the patience has run out. Russia must be held accountable for its aggression; this is evident. Individuals involved in crimes against humanity must be held accountable using the appropriate international mechanisms.
The International Court is the principal judicial organ of the UN, and its decisions are final and binding.
This is necessary not only to protect Ukraine but also to safeguard other countries that Russia might suddenly consider part of its empire, using the ephemeral threat to «Russian-speaking population.» For the sake of common security, it is crucial for the world to respond to Russian aggression. Stopping genocide can only be achieved through the joint efforts of all progressive humanity.