The Palestinian people have witnessed prolonged instances of violence and human rights violations reaching a crescendo of Genocide in Gaza today. Accusations of genocide and other serious international crimes have been raised in various international forums, most recently in the International Court of Justice. This roundtable discussion aims to explore the utility of international law and the mechanisms of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to address these allegations and seek justice for the Palestinian people, in light of the initial ruling by ICJ on provisional measures submitted by South Africa under the Genocide Convention.

The primary objective of this roundtable is to bring together legal experts, human rights advocates, and scholars to discuss the feasibility, challenges, and prospects of utilizing international law after the initial ICJ ruling to confront and prevent genocide in Palestine.

WSF 2024 Draft Statement for Palestine

As we close the 2024 World Social Forum, we reflect on the genocide being perpetrated against the Palestinian people and recognize the Palestinian struggle, not merely as a regional conflict, but as a poignant emblem of global resistance against the legacies of colonialism, imperialism and the pervasive influence of neoliberal economics. The Palestinian plight transcends the battle for land; it is a stark revelation of historical colonial practices in their modern forms, where neoliberal policies deepen global inequities and perpetuate cycles of exploitation, debt and financial dependence, especially for former colonies and descendants of enslaved peoples.

This scenario is compounded by the role of multinational corporations and the Western military-industrial complex, which profit from and perpetuate conflicts like those in Palestine, a clear continuation of colonial extractivism. These entities extract wealth by fueling conflicts, underscoring their economic and strategic interests, hence maintaining oppressive systems that benefit a select few.

The injustice facing the Palestinian people is a microcosm of global injustices which converge with the broader struggle against contemporary forms of colonialism and capitalism. This struggle is a call to action against the remnants of colonialism and the exploitative nature of modern capitalism, challenging us to dismantle structures that exploit and oppress.

In light of this, the World Social Forum 2024 stands resolute in supporting the Palestinian pursuit of the right to self-determination, free from settler-colonialism and apartheid, as part of a global movement for decolonization and justice. We call for an end to the genocide in Gaza and third state complicity therein as well as an immediate and permanent ceasefire. We call for an immediate arms embargo on Israel and wholeheartedly endorse the call for boycott, divestment, and sanctions. These actions are imperative in holding accountable those who perpetuate injustice and in championing the Palestinian struggle.

Our commitment extends beyond the Palestinian cause; it is a commitment to a global struggle against injustice and to the pursuit of a just and equitable world. The decolonization of Palestine is inextricably linked to the global movement against neoliberal exploitation and inequity. As we move forward, we carry with us the spirit of solidarity, the determination for justice, and the unwavering belief in the power of unified voices to effect transformative change.