Amnesty International is calling on Slovenia and Montenegro to block the MV Kathrin from docking due to its suspected cargo of explosives intended for Israel, which is believed to foster war crimes in Gaza. The vessel was previously denied entry in Namibia and faces scrutiny under both international humanitarian law and the Arms Trade Treaty, which requires responsible arms regulation. Calls for an immediate arms embargo against Israel and Palestinian armed groups emphasize the need for compliance with international legal standards.
Amnesty International has urged Slovenia and Montenegro to prevent the Portuguese-flagged MV Kathrin from docking at their ports due to its suspected cargo of explosives allegedly destined for Israel, which poses a risk of contributing to war crimes in Gaza. The vessel was previously denied entry to Namibia’s main harbor in August based on claims that it was carrying RDX Hexogen explosives directed towards Israel. According to officials from Slovenia and Portugal, the MV Kathrin is en route to Montenegro and Slovenia’s port of Koper, although the subsequent transportation method of the cargo to Israel remains unspecified. Nataša Posel, Director of Amnesty International Slovenia, emphasized, “The deadly cargo believed to be on board the MV Kathrin must not reach Israel as there is a clear risk that such cargo would contribute to the commission of war crimes against Palestinian civilians.” Under international humanitarian law, nations are prohibited from transferring weapons to any party engaged in armed conflict when there is a high likelihood that such actions will promote war crimes or severe violations of international law. Furthermore, as signatories to the Arms Trade Treaty, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Portugal are committed to establishing rigorous standards for regulating arms trade to mitigate human suffering. Amnesty International has advocated for an arms embargo on Israel and Palestinian factions, citing their utilization of weapons in deliberate attacks on civilians. They stressed the importance of halting all arms transfers to Israel, which could lead to violations of the Geneva Conventions. The MV Kathrin set sail from Vietnam in July, and international observers, including the United Nations Special Rapporteur, have warned that its cargo may include essential components of bombs employed by Israel. Therefore, it is imperative for all involved states to uphold their legal obligations and not facilitate any arms transfers to Israel.
The MV Kathrin has come under scrutiny for allegedly carrying explosives for Israel during a time of heightened conflict that has raised concerns regarding warfare laws and the protection of civilians. Namibia had previously halted the ship from docking due to fears of enabling potential war crimes in Gaza. Amidst a backdrop of increasing violence and allegations of international law violations, calls for vigilant oversight of arms transfers have intensified, particularly concerning countries’ commitments under humanitarian law and arms trade treaties. Amnesty International’s advocacy highlights the legal and moral obligations imposed on states to prevent complicity in offenses against human rights and international statutes during armed conflicts.
The situation surrounding the MV Kathrin underscores the urgent need for Slovenia and Montenegro, alongside international bodies, to reaffirm their international obligations by preventing any arms transfer that may exacerbate conflict and civilian suffering in Gaza. The legal ramifications outlined under international humanitarian law and the Arms Trade Treaty underpin the necessity of such actions, promoting a unified stance against complicity in war crimes.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
