ICAO Council decision on jurisdiction in MH17 legal proceedings

Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator the Hon Penny Wong

Attorney-General
Cabinet Secretary
The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP

Joint media release

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council in Montreal has upheld the Council’s jurisdiction to hear Australia and the Netherlands’ case against Russia for the downing of Flight MH17.

This decision is an important step in our collective efforts to hold to account those responsible for this horrific act of violence which claimed the lives of 298 people, 38 of whom called Australia home.

We have maintained since May 2018 that the Russian Federation is responsible under international law for the downing of Flight MH17. We now look forward to presenting our legal arguments and evidence to the ICAO Council as we continue to seek to hold Russia to account.

Australia remains steadfast in our commitment to seek truth, justice, and accountability for the victims of the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.

Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives, their families and loved ones.