The ETO Consortium co-sponsored, on 21 January 2025, a webinar with the Independent Commission for Human Rights and Law for Palestine on the topic “Economic Responsibility of Third-Party States Arising from the ICJ Advisory Opinion on Palestine”.
The ICJ Advisory Opinion and recent UNGA Resolution A/RES/ES-10/24 highlight the legal obligations of states to act against Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestine. The court emphasized that states must sever all economic, financial, and trade relations contributing to the prolongation of the occupation. This includes reviewing trade agreements, investment agreements and ensuring private enterprises and non-profit organizations comply with international law. The ICJ further conveyed to the UN General Assembly the duty of envisioning measures to end the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine.
States have a duty to adopt accountability measures, including targeted sanctions for human rights violations, and to end complicity in maintaining the occupation. These responsibilities extend to enforcing corporate compliance, navigating anti-boycott laws, and leveraging investment and trade frameworks to promote justice and compliance with international norms.
For more information, see here.