Prof. Zvobgo interviewed by ABC and CTV about Ukraine’s case against Russia at the International Court of Justice
by Riya Chhabra
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April 14, 2022
On March 16, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Russia must halt military operations in Ukraine. ABC News Live and CTV News interviewed Government Professor Kelebogile Zvobgo, founder and director of the International Justice Lab, on alleged violations of international law by Russia in Ukraine. In its February 26th filing with the court, Ukraine first accused Russia of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention by making false claims against Ukraine about the genocide of ethnic Russians and Russian speakers. Ukraine next accused Russia of committing genocide against Ukrainians. Professor Zvobgo said that while the case against Russia is strong, establishing genocide under international law is “extremely difficult.” Moreover, Russian officials can ignore ICJ rulings, because the court has no independent power to enforce judgments. Rather, the ICJ relies on the United Nations Security Council to enforce its judgments, where Russia is a permanent member with a critical veto.
