No court alone has the power to adequately protect civilians during times of war.
People carrying Palestinian flags and banners gather in front of the International Criminal Court on Oct. 18, 2023.
Abdullah Asiran/Anadolu via Getty Images
Prosecuting leaders indicted for war crimes is difficult. But the trial of Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic in the early 2000s offers a potential playbook.
Is Israel changing course following the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice? It appears not, and that poses risks for the international community, including Canada.
Pro-Palestinian activists wave flags during a session of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands on Jan. 26.
(AP Photo/Patrick Post)
The recent ruling by the International Court of Justice means Canada could be guilty of supporting genocide in Gaza by cutting aid funding and continuing military exports to Israel.
International Court of Justice President Joan Donoghue, center, and other judges arrive prior to the preliminary order announcement on Jan. 26, 2024.
Remko De Waal/ANP/AFP via Getty Images
While the International Court of Justice lacks enforcement powers, its new provisional measure could heighten pressure on both Israel and Hamas to save civilian lives and free the hostages in Gaza.
Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Jan. 18, 2024.
(AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
The West no longer has credibility when it criticizes Russia, China or any other state for human rights abuses or breaches of international law due to its feeble response to Israel’s assault on Gaza.
The International Court of Justice has heard arguments from each side of an extraordinary genocide case. What was said, and what happens now?
Judges take their seats prior to the hearing of Israel’s defense at the International Court of Justice on Jan. 12, 2024.
Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu via Getty Images
While the International Court of Justice lacks enforcement powers, it can issue orders that could heighten international pressure on Israel to curtail some of its offensive in Gaza.
South Africa’s legal team inside The Hague. They are joined by justice minister Raymond Lamola, left, and ambassador Vusi Madonsela.
Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu via Getty Images
South Africa’s legal team includes lawyers who previously acted against the government.
Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s minister of justice and correctional services (centre), and Palestinian assistant Minister of Multilateral Affairs Ammar Hijazi (right, with his head bowed), address the media outside the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands on Jan. 11, 2024.
(AP Photo/Patrick Post)
Canada doesn’t support the case before the International Court of Justice that Israel is guilty of genocide in its war against Gaza. That’s contrary to its stance on other cases of genocide.
Today, hearings will begin in the International Court of Justice, where South Africa is accusing Israel of genocide in Palestine. How will the proceedings work, and what does it mean for the war?
Palestinians mourn their relatives killed in an Israeli airstrike.
Jehad Alshrafi/Anadolu via Getty Images
There is precedent showing the ICJ may grant provisional measures within a month or two of the hearing, preventing Israel from causing further harm in Gaza.
German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier with Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu Hassan in October 2023.
Bernd von Jutrczenka/picture alliance via Getty Images
Governments and activist groups are bringing environmental issues to international courts. They argue that the impact of climate change and environmental issues affect human rights.
South Sudanese soldiers prepare for deployment to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Samir Bol/AFP via Getty Images
As they negotiate with Mauritius, British leaders are mostly interested in securing guarantees that America’s military interests will not be harmed by a transfer of authority to Port Louis.