Call for Slovenia and Montenegro to Block Explosives Shipment to Israel
Amnesty International is calling on Slovenia and Montenegro to deny docking access to the MV Kathrin, a ship reportedly carrying explosives destined for Israel. The organization emphasizes the risk that such cargo could contribute to war crimes in Gaza and stresses the legal obligations of states to halt arms transfers that could exacerbate conflicts. An immediate arms embargo on all parties involved in the conflict is also demanded, in compliance with international law and treaties.
Amnesty International has urged Slovenia and Montenegro to prevent the Portuguese-flagged MV Kathrin, which is allegedly transporting explosives destined for Israel, from docking at their ports. The organization warns that such cargo poses a high risk of contributing to war crimes in Gaza. According to officials from Namibia and Portugal, the MV Kathrin is reported to carry eight containers of RDX Hexogen explosives, intended for Israel, leading Namibia to deny the vessel entry into its harbor in August. Slovenia and Montenegro are expected to receive the ship at their port of Koper, although the subsequent route of the explosives to Israel remains unclear. Amnesty International contends that allowing this shipment would contravene international humanitarian law, which prohibits states from facilitating arms transfers that could result in war crimes. Nataša Posel, head of Amnesty International Slovenia, emphasized the importance of Slovenia and Montenegro not facilitating such transfers, aligning with Namibia’s previous actions to uphold international obligations. Additionally, as parties to the Arms Trade Treaty, Montenegro, Portugal, and Slovenia are committed to preventing human suffering through stringent regulation of arms transfers. Calls for an immediate embargo on arms to Israel and Palestinian groups reflect the urgent need for states to act in accordance with their legal and ethical responsibilities. Unlawful transfers of explosive materials must be thwarted to prevent exacerbating the ongoing conflict and to ensure compliance with international regulations.
The MV Kathrin, having set sail from Vietnam, has been identified as a potential vessel for arms delivery to Israel amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions in Gaza. Namibian authorities previously halted its docking due to concerns about its cargo potentially facilitating war crimes. The ship is now reportedly on a course for ports in Slovenia and Montenegro, raising alarms among various human rights organizations and legal experts regarding compliance with international humanitarian law. Increasing scrutiny is placed on states such as Portugal, Slovenia, and Montenegro due to their obligations under the Geneva Conventions and the Arms Trade Treaty, which mandates a strict evaluation of arms transfers.
In summary, Slovenia and Montenegro are urged to refuse docking privileges to the MV Kathrin to avoid complicity in potential war crimes through arms transfers to Israel. Emphasizing their obligations under international humanitarian law and the Arms Trade Treaty, these nations must prioritize human rights and legal responsibilities over facilitating military shipments that might escalate violence in the ongoing conflict. Additionally, the call for an immediate embargo highlights the necessity of a concerted international response to prevent further humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
