AIJA condemns the horrific attacks perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October against civilians and calls to find peaceful solutions under international law.

Statement by the President of the International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA), Eduardo J. De la Peña Bernal:

The International Association of Young Lawyers (AIJA) condemns in unequivocal terms the horrific attacks perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October against civilians from Israel and many other nations. We express our ongoing support and solidarity to the victims and their families, as well as to our AIJA members in the region.

AIJA urges all parties and organisations involved in the escalation of violence in Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and the region, to observe and protect human rights, ceasing the violence that targets civilians in the region and the available civilian infrastructure. AIJA appeals to the parties in conflict to adhere to, and comply with, international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.  

It is imperative to stop what is becoming a profound humanitarian crisis. The suffering that innocents have endured across the region in the past and in the present must stop. As the leading representative body of young lawyers all over the world, AIJA calls for action to find, where possible, peaceful solutions under international law.