The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently addressing a case between Mexico and Ecuador, officially titled “Embassy of Mexico in Quito (Mexico v. Ecuador)”. This case has garnered international attention, focusing on recent events involving diplomatic relations and international law. This article provides an updated overview of the key proceedings and documents released by the ICJ regarding this matter.
Key Documents and Orders from the ICJ
Since Mexico initiated proceedings against Ecuador on April 11, 2024, requesting provisional measures, the ICJ has been actively involved in addressing the legal arguments presented by both nations. Several crucial documents have been released, outlining the court’s decisions and the procedural timeline.
On May 23, 2024, the ICJ issued an order regarding Mexico’s request for provisional measures. In this order, the Court concluded that the circumstances did not require the exercise of its power to indicate provisional measures. This decision followed public hearings held on April 30 and May 1, 2024, where both Mexico and Ecuador presented their arguments. The details of the Court’s reasoning are available in the official Order of 23 May 2024, accessible in both English and French. A concise Summary of the Order is also available for a quicker understanding of the key findings.
Further insights into the Court’s deliberations can be found in the individual declarations made by judges. Declarations from Judge Bhandari, Judge Nolte, Judge Gómez Robledo, Judge Cleveland, and Judge Aurescu, each providing their perspectives on the Order of May 23, are publicly accessible. These declarations offer a deeper understanding of the nuances and considerations within the ICJ’s decision-making process.
Procedural Timelines and Future Steps
Most recently, on July 19, 2024, the ICJ issued an Order fixing time-limits for the submission of further written arguments. This order sets the deadlines for Mexico to file its Memorial and for Ecuador to file its Counter-Memorial. This step is crucial as it moves the case forward from the provisional measures phase to the examination of the merits of the case.
Press Releases and Public Information
The ICJ has consistently kept the public informed through press releases. Press release 2024/46 announced the Court’s decision on the request for provisional measures on May 23, 2024. Prior to this, Press release 2024/44 indicated the date of the Order’s delivery. Press release 2024/38 marked the conclusion of the public hearings, and Press release 2024/32 announced the schedule for these hearings. The initial announcement of Mexico instituting proceedings against Ecuador and requesting provisional measures was made in Press release 2024/30.
For those seeking detailed accounts of the oral arguments, the ICJ provides Verbatim records of the public sittings held on May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024. These records offer a comprehensive view of the legal arguments presented by both parties before the Court.
Conclusion
The case between Ecuador and Mexico at the ICJ is ongoing. While the Court did not indicate provisional measures, the proceedings are moving forward with the establishment of time limits for Memorial and Counter-Memorial submissions. The publicly available documents from the ICJ provide a transparent and detailed account of each step in this international legal process. As the case progresses, further updates and documents will likely be released by the ICJ, continuing to shed light on this important matter between Ecuador and Mexico.
