CMPI Files Legal Challenge Amid Gaza Atrocities
In a landmark moment for regional justice and international law, the Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration (CMPI) has filed a legal challenge before the Supreme Court of Barbados, calling for urgent national action in response to Israel’s ongoing atrocities in Gaza. The case urges the Barbados government to align its foreign policy with its obligations under international humanitarian law amid overwhelming global evidence of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people.
Legal Action Targets Barbados Officials and Institutions
Brought by CMPI Secretary David McDonald Denny and led by veteran human rights attorney Lalu Hanuman (Secretary of the Caribbean Against Apartheid in Palestine – CAAP), the case targets:
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
- The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)
- The Immigration Department
- The Attorney General
It calls for these institutions—and the State of Barbados as a whole—to act in accordance with domestic and international law in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Six Bold Declarations Sought by the Court
The case seeks six key rulings from the Supreme Court:
- That Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
- That Israel has committed war crimes in Gaza.
- That Israel is guilty of crimes against humanity in Gaza.
- That Israel is operating an apartheid regime against the Palestinian people.
- That the DPP’s failure to act constitutes a violation of the Genocide Act and Article 11 of Barbados’ Constitution.
- Barbados must implement the screening of Israeli passport holders and prosecute or deport individuals linked to atrocity crimes, regardless of diplomatic status.
Generational Importance and Regional Solidarity
Students from the University of the West Indies Faculty of Law and members of CAAP were present, symbolizing a growing legal and activist movement among Caribbean youth.
Why This Case Matters
Justice Dr Herbert Patrick Wells acknowledged the urgency of the situation and ordered expedited proceedings. This case directly challenges Barbados’s diplomatic and trade relations with Israel, aligning with findings from UN agencies, Amnesty International, and the Red Cross on atrocity crimes in Gaza.
From left Priyanka Devani, David Denny, Taheyra Manjra, Lalu Hanuman, Suleiman Bulbulia
International Legal Obligations and National Responsibility
Barbados, as a signatory to the Genocide Convention, Geneva Conventions, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is legally obligated to investigate and prosecute genocide and related crimes under universal jurisdiction.
“If the DPP fails to act,” said attorney Hanuman, “that inaction becomes unconstitutional and undermines Barbados’ moral credibility.”
Call to CARICOM and Regional Governments
This legal initiative coincides with the 49th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government (July 6–8, 2025) in Montego Bay, Jamaica. CMPI has called on CARICOM to take a unified diplomatic stance against Israel’s violations of international law.
“To remain silent is not neutrality—it is complicity,” said David Denny.
“Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” – Nelson Mandela.
Next Steps
The next hearing is set for July 21st. CMPI emphasizes this is not symbolic—it is a legal demand for justice, accountability, and regional leadership rooted in law and moral principles.
