Namibian DPM and MIRCO Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s Statement on ICJ’s ruling in the genocide case of South Africa against Israel concerning Palestine
On 26 January 2024 the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued its ruling in the case brought by South Africa against Israel for alleged genocide in the occupied territories in Palestine.
On the same day, the Namibian Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO) published a statement of Deputy Prime Minister and IRCO minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s on the ICJ’s ruling on its Facebook page and on its YouTube channel (further below).
Full text of MIRCO Nandi-Ndaitwah’s statement on Facebook:
“MEDIA RELEASE
CASE CONCERNING THE APPLICATION OF THE GENOCIDE CONVENTION IN THE GAZA STRIP (SOUTH AFRICA V. ISRAEL)
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) today, on 26 January 2024, issued its ruling on the request for the indication of provisional measures in the case concerning the application of the Genocide Convention in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel).
The ICJ, which is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, amongst others, ordered Israel to take all measures in its power to prevent the commission of any acts listed under Article 2 of the Genocide Convention; ensure with immediate effect that its military does not commit any act described under Article 2 of the Genocide Convention; prevent and punish direct and public incitement to commit genocide; immediately enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in Gaza; prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of evidence related to South Africa’s allegations.
The Court further ordered Israel to submit a report within one month of the Order on the measures taken to comply with the provisional measures ordered.
Namibia welcomes the provisional measures ordered and strongly urges Israel to comply with the legally binding order of the Court. Namibia notes, with regret, that the ICJ has not ordered Israel to halt its military operations in Gaza.
As a State that subscribes to the rule of international law, Namibia respects the ruling of the ICJ, but deems it as a missed opportunity by the principal judicial organ of the United Nations to contribute towards international efforts aimed at ensuring that Israel immediately ceases with its deliberate actions of indiscriminately killing and maiming of innocent Palestinian civilians.
Namibia accordingly calls on the United Nations Security Council and the International Community to ensure that the provisional measures ordered by the ICJ are fully implemented. In the face of the ongoing unprecedented carnage in Gaza, disproportionately affecting women and children, more than 26 000 Palestinians have been killed since 07 October 2023.
Namibia reiterates the imperative for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza to avoid the inflicting of further harm and suffering on the Palestinian people of Gaza.
The Republic of Namibia in the execution of her Policy on International Relations and Cooperation will not relent in her efforts to ensure cessation of hostilities and aimed at ensuring respect for the human rights of the Palestinian people, including their legitimate right to self-determination.
/END
NETUMBO NANDI-NDAITWAH, MP
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER”
- Source: Post from 26 January 2024 on MIRCO’s Facebook page (checked in January 2024)
- Official video of Deputy Prime Minister and International Relations and Cooperation Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s statement on the ICJ’s ruling, published on MIRCO’s YouTube channel (checked in January 2024)
- Also see the Order of the UN ICJ in the case brought by South Africa against Israel for alleged genocide in the occupied Palestinian territories of 26 January 2024.