Second International Legal Conference – Istanbul

12 July 2026

Istanbul Declaration

On 11–12 July 2026, a distinguished group of lawyers, legal scholars, and human rights advocates gathered in Istanbul for the Second International Legal Conference. They agreed to issue this Declaration, affirmed their commitment to its principles, and pledged to defend them. They call upon lawyers, legal professionals, and human rights defenders around the world to endorse this Declaration and commit themselves to its principles

Istanbul Declaration in Defense of the Rights of the Palestinian People

In light of the genocide and discriminatory policies being inflicted upon the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, and as the Israeli occupation authorities continue to prevent the entry of humanitarian aid and reconstruction materials into the Gaza Strip,

:We, the undersigned, hereby declare our full commitment to the following

1. To work toward achieving justice for the Palestinian people and to defend their rights to freedom, independence, and self-determination

2. To affirm the right of the Palestinian people to defend themselves, their land, and their rights against occupation through all forms of resistance recognized under international law

3. To work to ensure that the occupation authorities are held accountable for their legal responsibilities toward the Palestinian people

4. To continue working, in accordance with international law and international conventions, to hold accountable all those involved in acts of genocide—including political and military leaders, as well as the governments and corporations supporting them—and to bring them before international justice, while reaffirming the rejection of impunity

5. To support international justice institutions and to defend the International Criminal Court, its Office of the Prosecutor, and its judges against attempts to target or sanction them

6. To emphasize that justice must be applied equally to all, free from selectivity, discrimination, or political pressure, and that no one is above the law.

7. To call upon legal professionals, human rights advocates, and all those who believe in justice, truth, and peace around the world to fulfill their duty in defending the rights of the Palestinian people and all peoples subjected to aggression

The signatories further affirm that the world cannot enjoy lasting peace and stability without justice

They also affirm that prosecuting perpetrators and ensuring equal application of justice without discrimination contribute to preventing genocide and crimes against humanity. Furthermore, they emphasize that achieving a just resolution of the Palestinian question and ensuring that the Palestinian people fully enjoy their rights are essential to promoting international peace and security

Issued in Istanbul

12 July 2026