The erosion of international law must be stopped
Declaration by the Emmaus International Board/November 2024
On the occasion of the meeting of its Board, from 25 to 29 November 2024, Emmaus International solemnly calls on all United Nations member countries to take stock of the current historic challenges to international law.
The Emmaus Movement notes that an increasing number of States are dismissing and trampling on the foundations of international law, including those that most actively contributed to its construction. This attitude is extremely dangerous and reprehensible.
The current war in Palestine and Lebanon is a particularly blatant and shocking example of these numerous failures.
We take note of the current ceasefire in Lebanon and call on the warring parties to uphold it and commit to making it a starting point for lasting peace.
However, this ceasefire is far from putting an end to the conflict in the region, where appalling violations of international law and human rights continue.
It is unacceptable that the United Nations General Assembly resolutions calling for an end to the conflict are not respected and do not give rise to effective sanctions against the warring parties.
It is unacceptable that the Security Council and the United Nations Human Rights Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire and an end to arms sales to Israel go unheeded.
It is unacceptable that the ICJ and the ICC decisions regarding the possible commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in these territories are disregarded and denigrated by democratic states such as the United States and Israel.
Finally, the Emmaus Movement strongly condemns the use of military force against civilian populations and infrastructure. A so-called “collateral” victim is above all a civilian, non-combatant and innocent victim. Military operations do not justify the systematic destruction of hospitals, schools and homes. This strategy clearly aims to drive out civilian populations and prevent their return.
The consequences of these repeated violations of international law damage our humanity and call into question the security of peoples and States, patiently built over the past 70 years. The recent election of several heads of state who openly express their support for oppressive leaders is also a source of concern. Not acting or reacting strengthens the legitimacy of the actions of these extremist leaders who do not respect democracy, freedom, the lives of other peoples in the world, and it threatens freedom and survival of countries such as Lebanon, Palestine, and Ukraine.
Emmaus International calls on world leaders to fulfill their responsibilities and calls on people to democratically assert their commitment to international law, the only bulwark against the return of global wars, crimes and suffering.