The ongoing legal dispute between Mexico and Ecuador at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has seen significant developments recently. This article provides an update on the case, focusing on Mexico’s request for provisional measures and the subsequent orders issued by the ICJ.
In April 2024, Mexico initiated proceedings against Ecuador in the ICJ, concerning events surrounding the Embassy of Mexico in Quito. Mexico also requested the Court to indicate provisional measures, seeking to protect its rights while the case is being adjudicated. Public hearings on Mexico’s request were held in late April and early May 2024.
On May 23, 2024, the ICJ issued an order regarding Mexico’s request for provisional measures. While the Court acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, it concluded that “the circumstances, as they now present themselves to the Court, are not such as to require the exercise of its power to indicate provisional measures.” This means the ICJ did not grant Mexico’s request for immediate provisional measures at that time, based on its assessment of the current situation.
Following this order, the ICJ proceeded to set the timeline for the next stages of the proceedings. On July 19, 2024, the Court issued an order fixing the time limits for the submission of written pleadings. Mexico is required to submit its Memorial by February 21, 2025, and Ecuador is to submit its Counter-Memorial by August 21, 2025. These documents will present the detailed arguments of each side in the case.
The case of Embassy of Mexico in Quito (Mexico v. Ecuador) is ongoing at the International Court of Justice. The fixing of time limits for the Memorial and Counter-Memorial marks the next procedural step in this international legal dispute. Further updates will be provided as the case progresses through the ICJ.
References:
- Order of 19 July 2024 – Fixing of time-limits: Memorial and Counter-Memorial
- Press release 2024/46 – 23 May 2024 – Request for the indication of provisional measures – The Court finds that the circumstances do not require the exercise of its power to indicate provisional measures
- Summary 2024/5 – Summary of the Order of 23 May 2024
- Order of 23 May 2024 – Request for the indication of provisional measures
- Press release 2024/30 – 11 April 2024 – Mexico institutes proceedings against Ecuador and requests the Court to indicate provisional measures
