Ensuring Accountability: Legal Challenges & Israel’s International Crimes

We are honoured to invite you to a special discussion on the occasion of the filing of the Ziada case before the European Court of Human Rights. This event will serve as a critical forum to discuss the challenges faced by legal activists, the role of the Netherlands in upholding international justice, and the broader implications for accountability for international crimes committed by Israel.

We are privileged to have Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, as a special guest, alongside leading experts in the field of international justice and human rights advocacy.

Event Details

Date: 12th February,
Time: 11:30 to 13:00 CET
Location: Online

Discussion Topics

1. The Ziada Case 

• Helen Duffy, the legal representative, and Ismail Ziada, the claimant, will provide an overview of the case, its legal significance, and what it represents for international justice.

2. The State of Legal Activism in the Netherlands

• Legal activists play a crucial role in bringing cases to court, challenging international crimes violations, and pushing governments to uphold justice. Daan de Grefte, Senior Legal Officer at the European Legal Support Center (ELSC), will discuss how civil society and legal practitioners initiate these proceedings, what challenges they face, and how we can strengthen solidarity networks.

3. The Netherlands’ Role in Defending International Justice

• What is the responsibility of third states to provide a platform for access to justice in cases where there’s no alternative path to justice, like in the case of Ismail Ziada?
• What responsibility does the Dutch government have in ensuring accountability for international crimes, particularly when it politically or militarily supports other states.
• The Netherlands hosts institutions like the International Criminal Court and has a special responsibility to protect the ICC’s operations. Does the Dutch government take this role sufficiently seriously?

Francesca Albanese will provide her insights into these topics, connecting them directly to cases like Ziada vs. the Netherlands.

The panel will be chaired by Kate Clark, Board Member at The Nuhanovic Foundation, ensuring a dynamic and engaging discussion.

Click here to register for the event.