UN organization: Russia guilty of MH17

Russia is guilty of downing flight MH17. After a Dutch court already came to this judgment in 2022, the Council of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has now come to this conclusion, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced on Monday. In 2022, the Netherlands and Australia were commissioned by this council, an organization of the United Nations that is concerned about international aviation, a matter about this against the Russian Federation.

The ICAO council ruled that Russia has violated international agreements on civil aviation. This concerns the use of a weapon against a civilian plane. These agreements are laid down in the Chicago Convention, which Russia has also signed.

Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp says he is ‘happy’ in a statement with the decision. He emphasizes that the judgment « the grief and the suffering » of the relatives cannot remove, but calls it « an important step in the direction of finding truth, justice and account for all victims and their relatives. » The minister also called it « a clear signal to the international community that states cannot violate international law without consequences. »

What will be the consequences of this statement must still be apparent. The ruling may lead to a form of compensation. Russia retired from the procedure earlier. The Russian Federation was not present during hearings last year. The country has so far denied any form of liability for and involvement in downing the device.

The Netherlands also has one reciprocal run against Russia at the European Court of Human Rights. In the spring of 2024, a hearing took place in Strasbourg where parties, including relatives, had the opportunity to explain their opinion. A ruling is expected to follow next month.

Flight MH17 crashed on July 17, 2014 above the east of Ukraine after being hit by a book rocket. All passengers, 298 people, including 196 Dutch people, died. The Netherlands has been trying to hold Russia liable for this for a number of years.

To share

Mail the editors