Minister of Justice Rimantas Mockus: Lithuania has taken Belarus to the International Court of Justice, seeking accountability of Belarusian regime for the state-orchestrated migrant smuggling that has endangered lives and violated international law
The Government of Lithuania today has filed a case against Belarus before the International Court of Justice, seeking accountability for Belarus in organizing and facilitating the large-scale smuggling of migrants into Lithuania.
The case concerns breaches of obligations under the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, which aims to prevent and combat the illegal movement of people across borders.
According to the Minister for Justice, “Lithuania is prepared to demonstrate its legal leadership by asserting its rights under international law through decisive action. This historic step – Lithuania’s first-ever interstate case before the International Court of Justice – underscores our commitment to using global legal frameworks to defend national interests and uphold justice”.
“Lithuania’s reputation must be safeguarded, and the Belarusian regime must be held legally accountable for orchestrating the wave of illegal migration and the resulting human rights violations. Such legal actions not only address the immediate harm but also help establish important interpretations of international law that serve the common interest of the global community, deterring Belarus and other states from committing similar violations in the future”.
R. Mockus highlights, “We are taking this case to the International Court of Justice to send a clear message: no state can use vulnerable people as political pawns without facing consequences under international law”.
This case is also a legal action to protect safety and integrity of our state borders.
An adequate reparation will also be sought, as this hybrid attack resulted in significant financial, institutional, and operational challenges, which will be calculated as damages.
Last updated: 19-05-2025