CONCERNS OVER SWISS FEDERAL COUNCIL’S DECISION TO BAN HAMAS

Justice pour Tous Internationale has formally opposed a Swiss Federal Council decision proposing a ban on Hamas and its designation as a terrorist organization, citing concerns about impacts on NGO funding, humanitarian aid, freedoms of speech, assembly, and association. This proposal, announced on 22 November 2023, tasked Swiss departments with drafting legislation by February 2024. Justice Pour Tous Internationale also submitted a letter to UN officials, urging a nuanced approach to self-defense and self-determination under international law. The association requested that the UN seek International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinions on the Palestinian right to self-defense in resistance to occupation and the legality of the Israeli designation of Hamas. Additionally, the association called for potential ICJ proceedings against Israel under the Genocide Convention and urged the UN Human Rights Council to consider these issues promptly.