ICAO's decision comes nearly a decade after the tragic event, reaffirming the need for accountability.
Russia Held Accountable for Downing MH17 by UN Aviation Agency
Russia Held Accountable for Downing MH17 by UN Aviation Agency
Recent UN ruling underscores Russia's failure to comply with international air law.
In a significant ruling, the United Nations aviation agency determined that Russia was responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which tragically occurred over eastern Ukraine in July 2014. All 298 individuals aboard the aircraft lost their lives when it was struck by a missile produced in Russia. The Kremlin has consistently denied any wrongdoing regarding this calamity.
On Monday, the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Council convened and concluded that the Russian Federation did not fulfill its obligations under international air law, specifically noting the requirement for states to avoid the use of weaponry against civil aviation. The ill-fated flight was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur and was downed in a volatile region during ongoing skirmishes between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian militants.
The majority of the victims on board were Dutch nationals, with others from Australia, the UK, Belgium, and Malaysia. The Australian and Dutch governments initiated the case presented to the UN in 2022, expressing their support for the ICAO's recent decision. Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, urged Russia to acknowledge its accountability and provide reparations for this tragic event.
Moreover, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp lauded the ruling as a pivotal advancement toward uncovering the truth and ensuring justice, sending a stern warning that nations cannot evade consequences for violating international laws. Previously, a Dutch court found that a Russian-backed group was behind the aircraft's downing, leading to the conviction of three individuals, who were sentenced to life in prison but remain at large as they were not extradited.
The devastation caused by the MH17 incident continues to resonate for families who have endured a decade of loss and grief, as they seek justice and closure for their loved ones.
On Monday, the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Council convened and concluded that the Russian Federation did not fulfill its obligations under international air law, specifically noting the requirement for states to avoid the use of weaponry against civil aviation. The ill-fated flight was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur and was downed in a volatile region during ongoing skirmishes between Ukrainian forces and pro-Russian militants.
The majority of the victims on board were Dutch nationals, with others from Australia, the UK, Belgium, and Malaysia. The Australian and Dutch governments initiated the case presented to the UN in 2022, expressing their support for the ICAO's recent decision. Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, urged Russia to acknowledge its accountability and provide reparations for this tragic event.
Moreover, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp lauded the ruling as a pivotal advancement toward uncovering the truth and ensuring justice, sending a stern warning that nations cannot evade consequences for violating international laws. Previously, a Dutch court found that a Russian-backed group was behind the aircraft's downing, leading to the conviction of three individuals, who were sentenced to life in prison but remain at large as they were not extradited.
The devastation caused by the MH17 incident continues to resonate for families who have endured a decade of loss and grief, as they seek justice and closure for their loved ones.
