Call for Mauritius to join S. Africa ICJ case against Israeli State for Genocide
04.01.2024
Solidarite Morisyin ar Lepep Palestinn (SOMALP) has today written to the Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth calling on him to join South Africa in its case against the Israeli State for Genocide. Here is the letter:
To Hon. Pravind Jugnauth
Prime Minister
Intendance Street, Port Louis
Republic of Mauritius.
4 January 2024
Re: Call for Mauritian State to support South African Government’s Referral of the Israeli Government
to the International Court of Justice
Solidarite Morisyin Ar Lepep Palestinn (SOMALP) hereby calls on the Government of Mauritius to express its unequivocal support for the South African Government’s referral of the Israeli Government to the International Court of Justice under the Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
This legal action is necessary because the war crimes committed against the innocent population both in Gaza and the other illegally occupied Palestinian territories amount to acts of genocide. (We attach, for easy reference, a copy of the South African submission to the UN, downloaded from the UN site, which argues a very strong case indeed.)
Furthermore, SOMALP wishes to reiterate its request for the Government of Mauritius to sever all diplomatic relations with Israel. This is part of our international obligation to prevent genocide as well as to hold accountable the State responsible for the genocide.
We note that the desecration of health facilities and schools, UN shelters and Red Crescent buildings, people’s housing as well as Mosques and Churches, even cemeteries, in full view of the global community, are all particularly repulsive. The huge toll on children, mothers and the aged and infirm is unprecedented.
The South African Government’s bold stance is unique in the global arena and demonstrates its consistent support for the Palestinian cause and, by extension, oppressed people worldwide. The action, in addition, strengthens Mauritius’ struggle for the end of the illegal colonization and occupation of Chagos.
SOMALP stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and supports the South African Government’s efforts to bring to justice the State of Israel, a colonial occupier of an Apartheid State, for its unfolding intentional genocide. We believe that such actions are not only necessary for justice but also essential in the pursuit of peace and the protection of human dignity for all. This action can help prevent the forcible removal from Palestine of the people of Gaza, which the State of Israel is openly planning, as well as stop the outright slaughter of innocents.
SOMALP regroups trade unions, associations, political organizations and individuals, whose main objective is to support the Palestinian people and to expose and condemn Israel’s military occupation, colonization and Apartheid in occupied Palestinian territories and now to act so as to stop the genocide. Our country must be on the right side of history. SOMALP includes, as members, a wide spectrum of Mauritian society: Mauritius Labour Congress, Confederation des Travailleurs des Secteurs Publique et Privé, All Workers’ Federation, Federation of Parastatal Bodies and Other union, Confederation of General Trade unions, Dr. Idrice Goomany Treatment Centre, Consumer Advocacy Platform, Chagos Refugees Group, Muvman Liberasyon Fam, LALIT and individual members, including former President of the Republic Mr. Cassam Uteem and former Attorney General Barrister Jean-Claude Bibi
Yours sincerely,
Mosadeq Sahebdin, Alain Ah Vee, Haniff Peerun, Deepak Benydin, Reeaz Chuttoo, Ragini Kistnasamy
for SOMALP (Please feel free to telephone us. Alain Ah Vee is stand-by for details on 5 932 9002.)
cc The Press
