In the hearings that started yesterday, Russia has already expressed its position, denying not only the possibility of the Court to examine the case, but also the applicable international law.
The head of the Lithuanian delegation, Deputy Minister of Justice Gabija Grigaitė-Daugirdė, while speaking at the Court session, emphasized Russia’s constant aspiration to create an alternative international law that denies the sovereignty of other states and the basic principles of international law agreed upon by the entire international community.
“In the history of Lithuania, there have also been cynical interpretations of international law by Russia, which cost our country freedom and independence, so today, standing at the rostrum of the Court and in the face of Russian aggression, I express Lithuania’s solidarity and support for Ukraine and its fight for freedom. We cannot allow international law to be disregarded or abused, Russia’s actions contrary to international law must bring it legal consequences and responsibility, and the international community must unite and use all the legal tools,” comments the vice minister.
This case was initiated in order to prevent Russia’s baseless attempts to justify acts of military aggression against Ukraine, under the guise of false claims about genocide allegedly carried out by the Ukrainian authorities in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. In the spring of 2022, Lithuania was one of the first, together with other (31) countries of the world, to join the case on the side of Ukraine in order to prevent international law from being used to justify military aggression against another state based on false accusations of genocide.
This week, court hearings on the admissibility of the case are taking place in The Hague, Russia is contesting the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to hear this case, when at that time, Ukraine and all the states involved in the case unequivocally recognize the possibility of the International Court of Justice, established for the settlement of interstate disputes and for the sake of peace, to hear disputes about the Convention on preventing and punishing the crime of genocide.
After the restoration of the country’s independence, Lithuania joined the proceedings of the International Court of Justice for the first time.
The Ministry of Justice strives for Lithuania to actively use the instruments of international law, to defend its interests and those of its partners, in order to achieve an order based on international law and the responsibility of states that violate it.
The Lithuanian delegation, headed by the Deputy Minister of Justice Dr. Gabijos Grigaitės-Daugirdės, consists of Ričard Dzikovič, Head of the Legal Representation Group of the Ministry of Justice, Ingrida Bačiulienė, Head of the Department of International Treaties of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Professor of the University of Leuven Dr. Dr. Pierre D’Argent, Professor of the Catholic University of Leuven and President of the European International Law Association. Gleider Hernández, Professor at the University of Glasgow Dr. Christian J. Tams, Vilnius University lecturer, lawyer dr. Inga Martinkutė.
The delegation was also joined by the Lithuanian ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Neilas Tankevičius, and the minister-counselor of the embassy, Mindaugas Žičkus.
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#Ukraine #Lithuania #seeks #Russias #international #responsibility #World #Court
**Interview with Gabija Grigaitė-Daugirdė, Deputy Minister of Justice of Lithuania**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Deputy Minister Grigaitė-Daugirdė. In light of the ongoing hearings at the International Court of Justice regarding Ukraine’s case against Russia, can you share your insights on Lithuania’s support for Ukraine in this critical moment?
**Gabija Grigaitė-Daugirdė:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to emphasize that Lithuania stands firmly with Ukraine in this fight for freedom and justice. Russia’s aggressive actions not only threaten Ukraine but also the foundational principles of international law. Our participation in this case reflects our historical experience with Russia and our commitment to ensuring that international law is upheld and respected.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned Russia’s denial of the Court’s jurisdiction. What implications does this refusal have for international law and the ongoing conflict?
**Gabija Grigaitė-Daugirdė:** Russia’s challenge to the Court’s jurisdiction is deeply concerning. It suggests a disregard for international norms and an attempt to create an alternative legal framework that undermines the sovereignty of nations. This is not just about Ukraine; it’s about maintaining the integrity of international law for all states. If we allow Russia’s narrative to prevail, it sets a dangerous precedent for future conflicts.
**Interviewer:** How does Lithuania’s historical experience shape your perspective on this issue?
**Gabija Grigaitė-Daugirdė:** Lithuania has faced similar challenges in its history, where cynical interpretations of international law by Russia resulted in significant losses, including our freedom and independence. This historical context fuels our determination to support Ukraine vigorously. We cannot allow history to repeat itself; the international community must unite to ensure that acts of aggression are met with legal consequences.
**Interviewer:** Lithuania was among the first countries to support Ukraine’s application. What message does this send to the international community?
**Gabija Grigaitė-Daugirdė:** Our early support for Ukraine reinforced that aggression based on false accusations, such as the alleged genocide in Luhansk and Donetsk, cannot be tolerated. It sends a clear message that the international community is ready to stand up for justice and that we will not allow international law to be used as a tool for justifying military aggression. We must work together to equip the International Court with the resources necessary to resolve such disputes peaceably.
**Interviewer:** In your opinion, what is the next step for Lithuania and the international community in this ongoing legal battle?
**Gabija Grigaitė-Daugirdė:** Our priority must be to support the Court in affirming its jurisdiction and addressing the issues at hand. We must also ensure that all nations recognize the importance of a unified legal response to violations of international law. Lithuania will continue to advocate for this, emphasizing that a strong international legal framework is crucial for maintaining peace and security worldwide.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Deputy Minister Grigaitė-Daugirdė. Your dedication to upholding international law is commendable, and we wish Lithuania the best as it navigates these challenging waters.
**Gabija Grigaitė-Daugirdė:** Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this vital issue. Together, we can strive for a future where international law prevails over aggression.
