Human Rights Attorney Noura Erakat Discusses Why International Law Can Be a Tool to Achieve Accountability for Palestinians

English , Qatar - قطر , Snippets , / Sunday, March 31st, 2024

Noura Erakat, a Palestinian-American human rights attorney and Associate Professor at Rutgers University, captivated the audience at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) with her incisive analysis of international law’s role in advocating for Palestinian rights during a recent public talk. Focusing on the International Court of Justice (ICJ)’s interim decision concerning Israel, Erakat highlighted the profound impact of the ICJ’s rejection of Israel’s arguments. She emphasized how this decision spurred global actions, including the imposition of sanctions and the initiation of criminal cases against Israel, underscoring the growing international pressure for accountability.

In her critique, Erakat denounced Israel’s “exception legal framework,” which she argued perpetuates the use of lethal military force and undermines the rights of Palestinians. She stressed the urgent need for recognition to ensure Palestinians’ rights to life and dignity, urging the international community to take decisive action.

Moderated by Dr. Noha Aboueldahab, Assistant Professor of International Law at GU-Q, the discussion provided a platform for scholarly insights into pressing issues. Erakat underscored the significance of global mass mobilization in empowering movements for justice, drawing parallels to the historical context of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid.

During her exchange with Dr. Aboueldahab, Erakat explored the complexities of accountability for Palestinians, advocating for collective responsibility and ethical solidarity. She emphasized that acknowledgment and action are paramount in addressing the ongoing plight of Palestinians.

Erakat’s visit to GU-Q extended beyond the public talk, as she actively engaged with the university community through classroom visits and discussions. Her concluding workshop, titled “Media, Knowledge Production, and the Middle East: The Case of Palestine,” offered students and scholars a deeper understanding of the Palestinian struggle and the role of media in shaping perceptions.

Overall, Erakat’s visit left a lasting impact, inspiring dialogue and reflection on the urgent need for justice and recognition in the Palestinian context.

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