Hague Group Withdrawal Inconsequential for ICJ Case

Last week, Prime Minister John Briceño hinted that Belize might be stepping away from the Hague Group. This coalition, formed on January thirty-first, 2025, aims to support the rulings of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. While P.M. Briceño didn’t confirm the withdrawal, he stressed Belize’s ongoing support for Palestine. Today, Eamon Courtenay, a top legal expert and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, was asked if this move could curry favor with the International Court of Justice in our border dispute.

 

Eamon Courtenay, Attorney at Law

“I don’t believe there will be any evidence before the ICJ as to who is in the Hague Group and who is not in the Hague Group. I don’t think membership or non-membership should give rise to any legal issue. If membership of a group like the Hague Group influences judges, then in my opinion they are not independent. So, I do not believe there will be any deleterious effect, whether or not we are a member of the Hague Group.”

 

Reporter

“Do you think that leaving the Hague Group would be advisable in light of the fact that the U.S. is staunchly pro-Israeli at this time?”

 

Eamon Courtenay

“I would say that every country in the world, particularly those in this side of the world, Belize is undergoing a review of its foreign policy in relation to changes not only in the U.S., but changes in the Europe as well. I know the Foreign Minister is actively looking at different aspects and issues, the position of Belize. He and I have spoken about it from time to time, so I know that the ministry is deeply looking at analyzing the position. All I will say, and I will say no more about this.”