Ross Barrantes*
On April 5, 2024, just as Peru was remembering what it had suffered from the 1992 coup against the rule of law, a new event rocked the region. Social networks lit up alerts regarding the entry of Ecuadorian forces into the Mexican Embassy in Ecuadoran act that will undoubtedly go down in history.
Mexico’s response was immediate: Less than a week later, they filed a case at the International Court of Justice based on the 1948 Bogota Pact, to which both states are parties.. Mexico claims that Ecuador violated not only the Bogota Pact, but also the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and the 1954 Diplomatic Asylum Convention.
These international documents clearly establish the inviolability of embassies and the right of a state to grant diplomatic asylum.. Mexico’s decision to grant asylum Jorge Glass This was a legitimate exercise of its sovereignty, and Ecuador must respect it. Political asylum is a sensitive issue in international law because it involves the protection of persons persecuted for political reasons in other countries.
Jorge Glas, former vice president of Ecuador.
The 1954 Diplomatic Asylum Convention provides that the State granting asylum has the exclusive power to determine the nature of the persecution and the eligibility of the applicant. In this case, Mexico acted within its sovereign rights by offering protection to Jorge Glas..
The inviolability of embassies is a fundamental principle of international law. recognized by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. This principle establishes that diplomatic headquarters are inviolable and cannot be subject to search, seizure or interference by the receiving state. The only exception to this rule is the express consent of the sending State.
Ecuador’s actions constitute a clear violation of this principle.. By allowing its troops to enter the Mexican Embassy without Mexico’s consent, Ecuador flagrantly violated international law. This act not only jeopardizes the safety of diplomatic personnel and the integrity of the diplomatic mission, but also undermines confidence in the protection of fundamental rights in the international community.
The consequences of this violation go beyond the bilateral relationship between Mexico and Ecuador, beyond politics. represents a dangerous precedent for the international community as a whole. International law is a set of rules and principles to which states voluntarily submit.
When a state violates these principles, it threatens the world order based on shared norms and obligations. The International Court of Justice is now responsible for hearing the case and ensuring compliance with international law. Mexico is seeking justice and reparations for violations committed by Ecuador.
But beyond this specific case, it is vital to reaffirm the importance of respecting the rules and principles of international law in all circumstances. What happened at the Mexican embassy in Ecuador is a reminder of the fragility of the rules-based international order. The inviolability of embassies and the right to asylum are fundamental principles that must be respected by all states. The international community must unite in defense of these principles.
* Environmental Lawyer
Source: Aristegui Noticias
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
