Lithuania allowed to intervene in the proceedings Ukraine v. Russia at the International Court of Justice on allegations of genocide
Following Lithuania's official declaration of intervention in the proceedings Ukraine v. russia at the International Court of Justice in July last year, this week the Court allowed Lithuania to intervene in the proceedings and submit written arguments on the issues raised in the case.
In these proceedings, Lithuania will try to prove that the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice extends to disputes concerning the improper application of the Convention and unfounded allegations of genocide, that the Convention may not be used to justify military aggression against another State, and that russia must assume liability for the unfounded allegations against Ukraine and for the war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and military aggression on a pretext of such allegations.
According to the Justice Minister Ewelina Dobrowolska, russia may not manipulate international law and its instruments to justify the aggression. We must prove in this case that russia does not respect its commitments under international law, defies the principles of democracy and the rule of law, keeps committing violations of fundamental human rights on the massive scale.
“The recent events in Kakhovka show that the consequences of the military aggression are more and more disastrous, condemning the Ukrainian people to suffering. Since all members of the United Nations are bound by the judgments of this Court, it is essential that non-compliance with these judgments can be considered by the United Nations Security Council or the General Assembly and that Russia's responsibility for the violation of international law is established,” said Ms Dobrowolska.
The intention to intervene in these proceedings of the International Court of Justice has been expressed by 33 States from Europe and the world and by the EU who condemn the military aggression and international crimes committed by Russia.
In this case, the provisional measures have been indicated at the request of Ukraine, ordering the immediate suspension of the military operations by russia or by the military units which are directly or indirectly controlled by it. Failure to comply with this judgment is a violation of international law.
Lithuania was the first to take legal initiatives to help Ukraine to ensure that justice is not delayed.