Amnesty International calls on Slovenia and Montenegro to stop the MV Kathrin from docking, which allegedly carries explosives for Israel. The organization cites potential complicity in war crimes and urges adherence to international humanitarian laws that prohibit arms transfers contributing to such crimes. With evidence of previous war crimes documented by Amnesty, the situation requires immediate action to prevent further violations by any states involved in arms transfers to conflict parties in the region.
Amnesty International has urged Slovenia and Montenegro to prevent the MV Kathrin, a Portuguese-flagged vessel believed to be transporting explosives to Israel, from docking at their ports. The organization raises alarms over the risk that this cargo could facilitate war crimes in Gaza. Reports indicate that the MV Kathrin contains eight containers of RDX Hexogen explosives destined for Israel, leading Namibia to deny it entry into their main harbour in August due to concerns about potential complicity in war crimes. Current information suggests that the vessel is en route to Slovenia’s port of Koper and Montenegro, although specifics on how the explosives will subsequently reach Israel remain unclear. Nataša Posel, head of Amnesty International Slovenia, emphasized that the shipment must not be allowed to proceed, indicating that similar legal and moral responsibilities should guide Slovenia and Montenegro’s actions as they consider the implications of facilitating an unlawful transfer. The organization additionally highlighted that all states must adhere to international humanitarian law, which forbids transferring arms when there is a significant risk of contributing to war crimes. Amnesty International has released extensive documentation of war crimes perpetrated in the recent conflict involving Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including attacks using explosive weapons against civilians. As parties to the Arms Trade Treaty, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Portugal are urged to follow through on their commitments to establish stringent standards against arms transfers that may result in human suffering. Consequently, Amnesty International is advocating for an immediate arms embargo on Israel and Palestinian armed groups, cautioning that the nations that knowingly facilitate arms transfers during these conflicts risk violating their obligations under the Geneva Conventions.
The MV Kathrin set sail from Hai Phong, Vietnam, on July 21, carrying alleged military supplies, including explosives reportedly earmarked for Israel. On August 24, Namibian officials revoked permission for the ship to dock, citing credible information regarding its potentially explosive cargo. This decision underscores the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the sale and transfer of arms given the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where significant civilian casualties have been reported. On August 31, Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, reiterated concerns regarding the cargo aboard the MV Kathrin, identifying it as integral to Israel’s military operations against Palestinian territories. The situation has prompted calls from human rights organizations for nations to uphold their legal obligations to refrain from enabling arms transfers that may lead to war crimes, highlighting the triangle of responsibility between the arms-trading states and the principles safeguarding human rights and humanitarian law.
In light of the pressing concerns raised by Amnesty International and other advocates for human rights, it is imperative for Slovenia, Montenegro, and Portugal to halt any facilitation of arms transfers to Israel via vessels like the MV Kathrin. The potential implicit support for ongoing violations of international law necessitates vigilant compliance with established humanitarian standards. Upholding commitments under the Geneva Conventions and the Arms Trade Treaty is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative to safeguard civilians and prevent further escalation of violence in the region.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
