Ref: 2025/PR/99
The Government of Maldives today, appeared before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and presented oral submissions in the advisory proceedings on the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The United Nations General Assembly, on 19 December 2024, adopted a resolution in which it requested the ICJ to render an advisory opinion on the obligations of Israel in relation to the presence and activities of the United Nations, including its agencies and bodies, other international organizations, and third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. States and international organisations were given an opportunity to take part in the public hearings of the proceedings and present oral submissions before the Court. As part of these proceedings, the Government of Maldives had submitted a written statement to the ICJ on 28 February 2025.
Representing the Government of Maldives at the hearing held at the ICJ today, Attorney General of the Republic of Maldives, Uz. Ahmed Usham, highlighted Maldives’ longstanding advocacy for the people of Palestine, and the need to ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Attorney General Usham further expressed grave alarm at Israel’s deliberate steps to dismantle United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and reiterated the Government’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their pursuit of their inalienable rights.
The Maldives was also represented at today’s hearing by international lawyers, Ms Amy Sander and Dr Naomi Hart from Essex Court Chambers, members of the Bar of England and Wales. The lawyers focused their statements on responding to Israel’s misplaced reliance on security concerns and military necessity in an attempt to evade its international legal obligations, and the legal consequences of Israel’s purported withdrawal from the agreement set out in the 1967 Exchange of Letters between Israel and UNRWA.
The Government of Maldives will continue to support the Palestinian people in their pursuit of justice, including their right to an independent sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.