Urgent Appeal to Slovenia and Montenegro: Prevent Military Cargo from Reaching Israel via MV Kathrin

Amnesty International has urged Slovenia and Montenegro to stop the MV Kathrin from docking at their ports due to its suspected cargo of explosives for Israel, which could contribute to war crimes in Gaza. Namibia has already refused the vessel entry, citing similar concerns. The MV Kathrin’s journey and its implications raise significant legal and moral questions regarding arms transfers amidst ongoing conflict in the region. The organization calls for immediate action to prevent any facilitation of this transfer.

Amnesty International has urged Slovenia and Montenegro to prevent the Portuguese-flagged MV Kathrin from docking at their ports, citing risks associated with the ship carrying explosives purportedly destined for Israel. Reports from the government of Namibia and Portugal’s Foreign Minister indicate that the MV Kathrin is loaded with RDX Hexogen explosives. Previous actions by Namibian authorities included preventing the vessel from entering its harbor to avoid potential complications related to war crimes in Gaza. The ship is reportedly on a course towards Slovenia’s port of Koper, raising concerns about the offloading of this hazardous cargo. Nataša Posel, the head of Amnesty International Slovenia, emphasized the grave implications of the cargo aboard the MV Kathrin, stating that allowing such shipments to reach Israel poses a substantial risk of facilitating war crimes against Palestinian civilians. Posel referenced Namibia’s adherence to international obligations in preventing the transit of military cargo through its waters, urging other nations to similarly avoid complicity. The transfer of weapons under these circumstances violates international humanitarian law, particularly where there exists a clear risk of contributing to armed conflict violations. This call to action is underscored by extensive documentation from Amnesty International concerning war crimes attributed to all parties involved in the recent escalations in violence in the region, highlighting Israel’s use of explosive weapons in attacks against civilians. As signatories to the Arms Trade Treaty, both Montenegro and Slovenia are bound to enforce rigorous international standards governing arms trade, which is intended to mitigate human suffering. Furthermore, Portugal, as the flag state of the MV Kathrin, must not facilitate the transfer of its cargo, either by allowing the ship to carry arms or by revoking its flag. Amnesty International insists on an immediate arms embargo affecting both Israel and Palestinian armed groups due to their reported violations and the use of weaponry in committing war crimes. Nataša Posel reiterated the need for Slovenia, Montenegro, and Portugal to halt any participation in transferring arms that might exacerbate the conflict.

The MV Kathrin had initially sailed from Hai Phong, Vietnam, on July 21, with its controversial cargo. On August 24, the Namibian government prohibited the vessel from entering its primary harbor due to information that verified the shipment included explosives meant for Israel. This decision was influenced by fears surrounding implicating Namibia in the ongoing hostilities in Gaza. The UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories subsequently highlighted that the explosives aboard the MV Kathrin were significant components for bombs and missiles used in Israeli military actions against Palestinians. International humanitarian law necessitates that nations must refrain from transferring arms to any party involved in conflicts where such actions may contribute to war crimes or serious violations of international law. States must be cognizant of their obligations under the Geneva Conventions and should act immediately to prevent any arms transfers, ensuring compliance with international treaties.

The ongoing situation surrounding the MV Kathrin underscores critical issues of international humanitarian law and the responsibilities of states in preventing the transfer of arms that could facilitate war crimes. The call by Amnesty International for Slovenia, Montenegro, and Portugal to block the ship underlines the need for stringent adherence to both international treaties and moral obligations to avoid exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. These measures are imperative to ensure accountability and the protection of civilians in conflict zones.

Original Source: www.amnesty.org