Israel-Lebanon pact 'betrays' war crime victims, NGOs allege

A group of six non-governmental organizations, including prominent rights groups Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon signed on June 26. They argue the deal "betrays" victims of war crimes and could obstruct their pursuit of justice.

In a joint statement, the NGOs expressed concern that certain parts of the agreement aim to prevent victims of serious international crimes from seeking justice through international forums. They also stated that other provisions appear to permit the "forced, prolonged, and indefinite displacement" of tens of thousands of residents from southern Lebanon occupied by Israeli forces.

The agreement, reached after months of hostilities causing immense civilian harm, reportedly includes a clause obligating both Israel and Lebanon to cease "all hostile or adverse action in international political or legal forums." The NGOs contend that if interpreted as a barrier to international courts like the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), this clause would contradict their international legal obligations to hold perpetrators accountable.

Furthermore, the NGOs highlighted that Clause 3 of the agreement allegedly violates international law by prohibiting forced displacement. This clause reportedly conditions the return of residents to specific border areas, currently occupied by Israel, on the successful disarmament of non-state armed groups and the dismantling of their infrastructure.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, stated, "Victims of war crimes and other violations deserve justice. Any agreement that does not prioritize their rights to justice, accountability, and reparation will fail due to the impunity it generates." The signatory NGOs have documented repeated violations of international humanitarian law and alleged war crimes by the Israeli military in Lebanon since 2023.

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Las víctimas de crímenes de guerra y otras violaciones merecen justicia. Cualquier acuerdo que no priorice sus derechos a la justicia, la rendición de cuentas y la reparación fracasará debido a la impunidad que genera