In a landmark ruling, the UN's ICAO has determined that Russia was culpable for the downing of MH17 in 2014, reinforcing the call for accountability from affected nations and the international community.
UN Confirms Russia's Role in MH17 Tragedy, Calls for Accountability
UN Confirms Russia's Role in MH17 Tragedy, Calls for Accountability
The United Nations aviation agency holds Russia responsible for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, signaling a crucial step towards justice for victims.
In a decisive ruling, the United Nations' aviation body has concluded that Russia bears responsibility 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 after it was hit by a missile of Russian origin, a claim consistently denied by the Kremlin.
On Monday, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council voted, asserting that the Russian Federation failed to adhere to its commitments under international aviation law, specifically regarding the prohibition of weapon use against civil aircraft in flight. This incident transpired when MH17 was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, crossing through the conflict-ridden Donbas region, where pro-Russian militants were engaged in combat against Ukrainian forces.
The majority of the passengers, totaling 196, were Dutch nationals, while others included 38 Australians, 10 Britons, and a mix of Belgians and Malaysians. This ruling stems from a case presented to the UN by the Dutch and Australian governments in 2022, both of which have expressed their approval of the ICAO’s findings.
In a statement, Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Russia to acknowledge its responsibility for this catastrophic act and to make reparations. She emphasized the need for accountability for such violence. Similarly, the Dutch Foreign Minister, Caspar Veldkamp, heralded this ruling as a significant advancement towards uncovering the truth and ensuring justice. He underscored the message it sends to the global community—that violations of international law cannot occur without consequences.
Adding to the legal context, a Dutch court's ruling in 2022 implicated a Russian-controlled group in the downing of the plane, with three individuals—two Russians and one pro-Moscow Ukrainian—convicted of murder in absentia and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, due to their non-extradition, they have yet to serve any time for their offenses. As families continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones ten years after the disaster, the recent ICAO ruling is viewed as an essential milestone on the path to justice and accountability.
