Oxfam Denmark, Amnesty International Denmark, Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke (Action Aid Denmark), and the Palestinian human rights organization Al-Haq have jointly initiated legal proceedings against the Danish National Police and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The lawsuit aims to halt Danish arms exports to Israel over concerns that these weapons could be used in potential war crimes against civilians in Gaza.
The organizations argue that Danish arms exports to Israel not only violate international rules on arms trade but also risk Denmark’s complicity in breaches of international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes and genocide.
“In sending weapons to Israel, Denmark risks contributing to serious crimes against civilians in Gaza. We cannot turn a blind eye to violations of international law, including war crimes, and the looming threat of genocide,” stated Lars Koch, Secretary General of Oxfam Denmark.
The lawsuit seeks to compel Danish courts to assess whether the country’s arms exports to Israel breach its obligations under international law, including commitments made under the UN Arms Trade Treaty and the EU Common Rules for Arms Exports.
Tim Whyte, Secretary General of Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “For months, there have been discussions about the potential genocide in Gaza, yet we’ve seen little political action. Denmark must not supply weapons to a regime suspected of committing war crimes.”
Recent legal precedents, including a ruling by the UN International Court of Justice and a court decision in the Netherlands ordering a halt to arms exports to Israel, have bolstered the case against Danish arms exports. The organizations argue that continued exports would contravene international humanitarian law and Denmark’s own commitments.
Maha Abdallah, spokesperson for Al-Haq, highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where civilian infrastructure has been decimated, and basic necessities such as food and medicine are scarce. “We witness indescribable suffering among civilians, including children. Denmark must cease arming the atrocities taking place in Gaza,” Abdallah emphasized.
Despite mounting evidence of Israel’s actions in Gaza and warnings from international experts, Danish arms exports to Israel have persisted. The lawsuit represents a concerted effort by civil society organizations to uphold international law and humanitarian principles.
The case, represented by Kontra Advokater, will be formally submitted in the coming weeks. It underscores the critical need for Denmark to reassess its arms export policies in alignment with its international obligations and moral responsibilities.
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