Australia has become one of the more than 30 countries supporting Ukraine’s case against Russia at the United Nations’ (UN) highest court.
Russia claimed its invasion on Ukraine in February 2022 was carried out to avoid genocide, however Australia joins in support, saying the actions were “illegal and immoral”.
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“Russia’s attempts to use false allegations of genocide as a pretext to justify its egregious violations of international law in Ukraine undermines the rules-based international order,” a joint media government media release said.
“Australia stands against such attempts and is supporting Ukraine and the international community in holding Russia to account.
“Australia continues to call on Russia to comply with the International Court of Justice’s legally binding order of 16 March 2022 to immediately withdraw its military forces from Ukraine.”
Solicitor-General Dr Stephen Donaghue KC will deliver Australia’s intervention in the preliminary objections phase of the proceedings, arguing the court has jurisdiction to hear the case.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said Russia must be held accountable for its invasion of Ukraine.
“Australia’s intervention in the International Court of Justice today is just one way we are supporting Ukraine to hold Russia to account,” she said.
“We stand with the people of Ukraine and the 31 other countries who are supporting Ukraine in this case – we are stronger when we work together to address shared challenges.”
The other countries supporting Ukraine’s court claim include: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States and the European Union.