Wellington/The Hague, 30 July 2022 (TDI): New Zealand filed a declaration of intervention under Article 63 of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Statute.
PRESS RELEASE: #NewZealand files a declaration of intervention under Article 63 of the #ICJ Statute in the case concerning Allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (#Ukraine v. #Russia) https://t.co/yy4e7IdXf0 pic.twitter.com/73q0DDitFf
— CIJ_ICJ (@CIJ_ICJ) July 29, 2022
The declaration was filed in the case concerning allegations of Genocide under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (Ukraine-Russia war).
New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta also highlighted that New Zealand has joined Ukraine’s ICJ case against Russia.
Noteworthy, the ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It was established in June 1945 by the United Nations Charter.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs mentioned that this step shows New Zealand’s commitment to the rules-based international order and accountability.
In addition, she stated that all disputes between states must be resolved by peaceful means. She also said that the use of illegal acts and being forced to settle disputes is highly unacceptable.
Aotearoa New Zealand 🇳🇿 has joined Ukraine’s ICJ case against Russia. This reinforces our commitment to the rules-based international order, accountability, and that disputes between states should be resolved by peaceful means, not by illegal acts of force. #kotahitanga @CIJ_ICJ https://t.co/m7aKFykpUP
— Nanaia Mahuta (@NanaiaMahuta) July 29, 2022
Article 63
According to Article 63 of the Statute, the construction of a convention whereby States other than those concerned in the case are parties in question, one of these States has the right to intervene in the proceedings.
Also, they will be subject to the same obligations of interpretation in this case as the Court’s verdict.
New Zealand relies on its membership in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Therefore, it will exercise the right of intervention granted by Article 63 of the Statute.
In line with its declaration of intervention, New Zealand considers that the legal issues raised by this case touch on some of significant principles. Along with obligations of international law.
Furthermore, New Zealand follows that all States Parties to the Genocide Convention have an interest in the appropriate interpretation. Together with the application, and fulfillment of those duties.
In light of New Zealand’s declaration of intervention, Ukraine and Russia have been asked to submit written opinions. Thus, the states are asked to do so in accordance with Article 83 of the Rules of Court.
